Driving the Future: An In-Depth Review of the Top 10 Safest Cars of 2023

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Motor Vehicle Safety encompasses the performance and design enhancements of a motor vehicle and its equipment aimed at protecting the public against unreasonable accidents due to faulty design, construction, or performance shortcomings. The field of automotive safety is ever-changing as innovation continues to push the boundaries of safety and performance enhancements.

2023 has continued to usher in safety advancements in automotive technology that can go beyond the senses and utilize human interactions to become safer. Body language monitoring systems can now analyze the movements of drivers and predict potential hazards such as eye droop signaling someone falling asleep. Roof-mounted airbags descend from the top down upon a vehicle's occupants and provide an extra level of safety in the event of a car rolling over or a roof-related impact. Many automotive companies are now installing passive technology that fights against the ability to drive while intoxicated. The advanced technology can detect erratic driving, psychological cues, and strange behaviors and will disable a motor vehicle that is trying to be operated in this state.

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The Importance of Car Safety

Car safety is a rapidly increasing concern in our society due to increased distracted driving, more drivers on the road than ever before, and attitudes of drivers shifting towards a more aggressive nature. According to Forbes, 35% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents occur due to impaired driving. Speeding accounts for a total of 29% of motor vehicle accidents. Distracted Driving also contributes to 25 to 30 percent of crashes. In 2023, the average number of fatal car accidents is 620, with the highest state being California for a total of 3,558 fatal car accidents this year. Following suit are Texas and Florida, with 3,520 and 2,098 fatal accidents, respectively. Oftentimes, impaired driving leads to speeding and distracted driving, which shows why drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content over .10 are 7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident compared to sober drivers.

Vehicle safety can have an enormous impact on accident outcomes, determining the line between minor injuries and life or death. With relation to speeding, even modest speed increases can lead to increased risk of severe injury and death, which is why authorities in many areas deploy technologies like License Plate Recognition cameras to deter and address speeding incidents. A crash test completed by the AAA Foundation outlined the difference between a 40 mph crash leading to minor injuries and a 56 mph crash leading to a significantly damaged vehicle and the crash test dummy receiving severe neck injuries and fractured bones in the lower legs. A vehicle with increased safety features could mean the difference between severe injuries and light injuries when a speeding collision happens.

ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) including features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blindspot detection have been shown to be effective in reducing accidents and injuries. A study by the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) found that vehicles equipped with ADAS systems experienced a 49% reduction in crashes and a 53% reduction in injuries compared to non-ADAS-equipped vehicles. However, it is important to note that ADAS systems are not foolproof and can sometimes malfunction or provide false alerts. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to take over driving if necessary.

Overall, car safety is an important issue that should not be taken lightly. By taking steps to improve driver safety and by investing in vehicles with advanced safety features, we can help to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on our roads.

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Evaluating Car Safety

Motor Vehicle safety rating systems measure and assess the performance of various vehicles, providing consumers with detailed information that they can use to compare and contrast vehicle options when making a new purchase. The NHTSA’s (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) star rating evaluates how various vehicles perform in crash tests. Frontal, side, and rollover tests are performed and a selected vehicle can have up to five stars. The NHTSA also takes into consideration recommended driver assistance technologies including forward collision warning, lane departure warnings, ABS (Automatic Braking System), and a rearview video system otherwise known as a backup camera which is awarded either a “meets performance criteria” or “failed test”. According to the NHTSA a “safe car” includes features including collision warning sensors, collision intervention, and driving control assistance. This encompasses overall features such as adaptive cruise control, forward and lane collision warnings, automatic braking, and backup cameras. These technologies coupled with engineering feats that make cars safer when involved in a collision make for a “safer” vehicle overall.

The IIHS rating is evaluated by conducting four “crashworthiness” evaluations including the moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passengers side overlap front, and side tests. They also evaluate for crash “avoidance and mitigation” which includes built-in safety features, headlight systems, seat belt reminders, and LATCH (child seat hardware system) quality. There are four ratings a vehicle can achieve including Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor for Crashworthiness, and three ratings including Superior, advanced, or basic for crash prevention creatures. In addition, the IIHS awards a “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick +” to any vehicle that has performed the highest overall that year.

Not all vehicles can measure up to the plate when it comes to safety. Car manufacturers determine what standards and features they want to incorporate or exclude from their vehicles. Next, we take a look at the top 10 safest cars of 2023.

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1. 2023 Subaru Outback | 5/5 Overall Nhtsa | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The 2023 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV perfect for small families or individuals. It includes top safety ratings, with a 5/5 score in overall, frontal, and side crash tests by the NHTSA. The Outback incorporates safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support. The IIHS rates it "G" across all categories and it also received superior ratings for front crash tests involving both vehicles and pedestrians. There are no active recalls on the vehicle making it very reliable overall.

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2. 2023 Toyota Sienna | 5/5 Overall Nhtsa | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The 2023 Toyota Sienna is a spacious 4-door minivan designed for families, accommodating up to 7-8 passengers. The Sienna received top marks in safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. It was awarded a "G" rating by IIHS across all safety feature categories and structure safety including a G+ rating for child seat anchors. NHTSA also confirmed that it "meets performance criteria" for all listed safety features. It comes equipped with advanced safety features like a forward collision system, lane departure warnings, crash imminent braking, dynamic brake support, and seat belt reminders. NHTSA awarded the Sienna a 5/5 overall Crash-test rating, demonstrating strong performance in frontal crashes. The IIHS confirmed its crashworthiness with a "G" rating across all categories, including small overlap front tests, side tests, overlap tests, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.

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3. 2023 Acura Integra | 5/5 Overall Nhtsa | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The 2023 Acura Integra is a 4-door midsize sedan designed for individuals or couples. It received “superior” frontal crash prevention ratings from IIHS and “meets performance criteria” for all safety features, including forward collision, lane departure, crash imminent, and dynamic brake support according to NHTSA. With no active recalls, the Integra demonstrates excellent crash performance, receiving a 5/5 overall rating from NHTSA in frontal, side, and rollover crashes. Additionally, it has a "G" rating across the board for overlap, side, roof, and head restraint tests from IIHS. While its crash performance is remarkable, the Integra has an “M” marginal rating for seat belt reminders and an “A” average rating for headlights. Overall, the car excels in crash safety but could benefit from some improvements in specific safety features.

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4. 2023 Volvo XC 90 | 5/5 Overall Nhtsa | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The Volvo XC90 is a midsize luxury SUV that includes safety and style. It received “superior” ratings from IIHS for front crash prevention and “meets performance criteria” from NHTSA in all categories except forward collision warning. While it has an average rating for headlights and latch ease of use, the XC90 excels in overall safety with a 5/5 rating from NHTSA in frontal, side, and rollover crashes. It also earned a "G" rating from IIHS across all safety categories for crashworthiness. However, it's important to note that there is a recall concerning the electrical system.

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5. 2023 Honda Accord 4-Door Sedan | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The Honda Accord is a versatile mid-sized 4-door sedan great for any occasion.

It boasts a superior rating from IIHS for front crash prevention and “meets performance criteria” from NHTSA. Both the seat belt and headlight reminder system have received a G and the latch system received a G+ for ease of use. In terms of crashworthiness, the Accord receives a solid "G" rating across all categories evaluated by the IIHS. While the NHTSA did not provide a rating for the Accord this year, it is worth noting that there are no active recalls for this model.

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6. 2023 Toyota Tundra | Overall Nhtsa 5/5 | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The Toyota Tundra is a durable four-wheel-drive crew cab pickup truck that offers both power and versatility. The IIHS has recognized the Tundra's exceptional front crash prevention capabilities for both pedestrian and vehicle safety, earning it a superior rating. It also received a "G" rating for its seat belt reminders and a "GA" rating for its headlights. Additionally, the Tundra meets the performance criteria set by the NHTSA across all categories. In terms of crashworthiness, the IIHS has awarded the Tundra a solid "G" rating across all categories, and the NHTSA awarded it an overall, side crash and frontal score of 5/5 and 4/5 rollover rating. While it's important to note that there are active recalls concerning the powertrain and tires, it's a reminder that Toyota is taking steps to address any potential issues promptly.

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7. 2023 Tesla Model Y4 | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The 2023 Tesla Y4 is a luxurious midsize SUV that offers both autonomous driving capabilities and an electric powertrain. it has earned a superior rating by the IIHS in all crash mitigation categories, reflecting a rating of "GA" for its headlights and "A" for latch ease of use. When it comes to crashworthiness, the Tesla Y4 has received a solid "G" rating across all crashworthiness categories assessed by the IIHS, encompassing small and moderate overlap, moderate overlap, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints. Although not rated by the NHTSA the Y4's autonomous driving capabilities enhance safety, even during nighttime driving. With advanced autonomous features, the vehicle can navigate roads and respond to potential hazards. It is important to note that the Y4 has been subject to four recalls related to vehicle speed control, brakes, and forward collision warning systems.

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8. 2023 Mercedes Benz C- Class | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick + “Good” Rating

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxurious small 4-door sedan.. It has received superior or advanced ratings for its safety features, with the option to add additional optional features that are also rated superior. However, the seat belt reminders only received a marginal rating of "M," and the headlights received a "GA" rating. The forward collision sensor of the C-Class “meets performance criteria” set by the NHTSA but the testing for lane departure, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support is still pending. Concerning crashworthiness, the C-Class has achieved a solid "G" rating across all categories assessed by the IIHS. There are zero active recalls reported by the NHTSA. However, it's important to note that the C-Class has not yet received official crash ratings from the NHTSA.

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9. 2023 Rivian R1S 4 Door Suv | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick +”Good” Rating

The 2023 Rivian R1S is an exceptional 4-door SUV that sets a new standard for safety. The R1S received a “superior” rating for all safety features by IIHS and also earned a solid "G" rating for both latch ease of use and headlights. However, the seat belt reminders received a "P" rating, indicating room for improvement. The NHTSA rates the R1S as meeting performance expectations for lane departure warnings, while other safety tests are still pending. The Rivian R1S impresses with a "G" rating across every category evaluated by the IIHS for crashworthiness. However, in the updated moderate overlap front test, it received an "M" rating, suggesting a need for further enhancement. Although the R1S has not yet been rated for crash tests by the NHTSA, it does have zero active recalls reported.

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10. 2023 Toyota Rav 4 | Overall Nhtsa 4/5 | IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick “Good” and “Average” Rating

The Toyota RAV4 is a versatile 4-door midsize SUV designed with families in mind which includes practicality and off-road capabilities. The IIHS has awarded the RAV4 a superior rating in all safety categories as well as a "G" rating for its headlights and a "G+" rating for latch ease of use. Additionally, the RAV4 meets the performance criteria set by the NHTSA across all safety categories, including forward collision, lane departure, and crash imminent braking. The RAV4 has earned a solid "G" rating in most IIHS categories, except for the moderate overlap and side updated tests, where it received an "A" average. The NHTSA has given the RAV4 a 5/5 rating for side crash safety, 4/5 rating for rollover, and a 4/5 rating for frontal crash, resulting in an overall 4/5 rating. There are no active safety recalls reported for the RAV4 showing its reliability.

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Safety Technology Trends in 2023

Since almost all motor vehicle accidents are caused due to human error or negligence behind the wheel, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) aim to decrease the likelihood of accidents by providing additional support to drivers. ADAS systems include features like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection. ADAS systems can continuously analyze data in a vehicle’s environment and alert drivers to potential hazards and even autonomously intervene to prevent or lessen collisions. ADAS is becoming increasingly common in vehicles, and with the advent of AI will likely become even more advanced. Cyber Security plays a crucial role in protecting ADAS systems from potential cyber-attacks, especially considering the advanced technology and software involved. A cyber attack could gain control over ADAS features and pit the car against the driver or even override the driver's inputs. The NHTSA along with other industry leaders have been collaborating to develop best practices and standards for ADAS cybersecurity including secure coding, regular assessments, encryption and authentication techniques, and threat detection.

Impact of Electric and Hybrid Cars on Safety

Hybrid and Electric vehicles provide unique safety challenges related to battery pack safety and the lower center of gravity. Battery safety is crucial as these vehicles rely on large battery packs which can overheat or explode if not properly managed. In addition, the placement of battery packs in hybrid and electric vehicles results in a lower center of gravity. These vehicles must be designed with specific engineering in mind to best perform in crash tests. If properly designed, however, a lower center of gravity along with the EV’s improved torque leads to swifter maneuvering and improved stability in these vehicles. The NHTSA and IIHS evaluate hybrid and electric vehicles with the same rating scales as gas vehicles and conduct similar assessments on crash tests and safety features. In Addition, they also track recalls which are particularly significant for battery packs. A recall involving battery packs is crucial as it directly relates to the safety and reliability of the vehicle

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Affordability vs. Safety

Although the vehicles mentioned above cover a range of prices, it's important to note that certain advanced safety systems like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection can add up. These features can also increase the price of repairs, especially when it comes to windshields which may cost hundreds more. However, the good news is that many car manufacturers are now including safety features standards across various price ranges and models. For example, the 2023 Honda Accord has an MSRP of $27,295, the Subaru Outback is priced at $28,395, and the Rav4 is available at $27,575. Additionally, there are other affordable vehicles worth considering, such as the Toyota Corolla. Honda Civic and Kia Forte, offer good features despite not making the top 10 list.

Future of Car Safety: What to Expect Beyond 2023

Imagine a vehicle that can hear its surroundings and respond to ambulances, first responders, and other auditory commands from outside. External microphones are binge developed to be installed onto the outside of the cars and along with blindspot detection and collision warnings to add another element of the senses to vehicles. External light bars on vehicles will communicate with the outside world, sending signals and patterns that can help with traffic flow and warnings between drivers. Changes in lighting and weather conditions can pose a significant risk for drivers, compromising their field of vision. That's where self-dimming windshields come into play. Think of them as sunglasses for your car. When faced with intense sun glare, these windshields can automatically adjust, improving visibility and improving road safety and traffic congestion.

Conclusion

Choosing the safest car for your needs is extremely important in today’s society where the number of vehicles on the road and instances of distracted and aggressive driving are continually rising. The impact of car safety can be the difference between life and death or minor and severe injuries in the event of an accident. It is essential to consider the ratings and evaluations provided by the NHTSA and IIHS. These organizations conduct rigorous crash tests and assess various safety features in controlled environments. Features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and backup cameras should always be considered when choosing a safe vehicle.

Based on the analysis of the top 10 safest cars of 2023, several models stood supreme for their amazing safety ratings. The Subaru Outback, Toyota Sienna, Acura Integra, Volvo XC90, Honda Accord, Toyota Tundra, Tesla Model Y4, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Rivian R1S, and Toyota RAV4 all received top safety ratings and demonstrated impressive crashworthiness and safety features across multiple categories. When choosing a vehicle, it is essential to prioritize safety and consider the ratings, evaluations, and safety features offered by different models. The top 10 safest cars of 2023 provide a starting point for consumers to make the best decisions, but it is very important to do research and test drive a vehicle for performance before purchasing.

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