Sort of s/o on car size and safety

michele12

New member
I was just reading through the post about owners of small cars and I'm looking for some info. I srive a Pilot and DH drives a '98 Nissan Sentra. After experiencing a terrifying accident several years ago, I feel safe in my big old car. Not so much b/c it is big and I think big is better/safer, but b/c I feel more equal to many of the cars I see on the road. I don't see all that many small cars anymore. In DH's car, I feel so tiny, almost on the ground b/c everyone around me seem so large.:confused: Does that make sense???

While I know crash test ratings were satisfactory on his Sentra I wonder if there is any research proving that larger cars are actually safer due to the fact that you are more likely to get into an accident with one whether in a small or large car. I am terrified when in his car and hate driving it which I rarely do. I may be way off on my thinking, but am just wondering. I'm lobbying for DH to get a bigger car, not necessrily an SUV but something with 6 cylinders.

Anywhere I can search for info. TIA
 
ADS

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
I was just reading through the post about owners of small cars and I'm looking for some info. I srive a Pilot and DH drives a '98 Nissan Sentra. After experiencing a terrifying accident several years ago, I feel safe in my big old car. Not so much b/c it is big and I think big is better/safer, but b/c I feel more equal to many of the cars I see on the road. I don't see all that many small cars anymore. In DH's car, I feel so tiny, almost on the ground b/c everyone around me seem so large.:confused: Does that make sense???

While I know crash test ratings were satisfactory on his Sentra I wonder if there is any research proving that larger cars are actually safer due to the fact that you are more likely to get into an accident with one whether in a small or large car. I am terrified when in his car and hate driving it which I rarely do. I may be way off on my thinking, but am just wondering. I'm lobbying for DH to get a bigger car, not necessrily an SUV but something with 6 cylinders.

Anywhere I can search for info. TIA

Up to a point (about 4000 pounds or so), statistics have shown that vehicle weight does correlate to a decrease in fatalities in multi-vehicle head-on crashes. The catch is that many larger vehicles have more fatalities in single vehicle crashes (wall, pole) and from rollovers. This is probably due to the stiffer frames and inferior handling of trucks and truck-based SUVs. For that reason, the safest segment of vehicles tend to be large family cars and minivans, though there are certainly exceptions.

A number of cars can be found in every class of vehicle today that are very safe and have a full set of safety features like side curtain airbags and stability control. Even many pickups and large SUVs have improved significantly from just 5-10 years ago.

The best resource right now for comparing vehicle safety across classes is www.informedforlife.org . In addition to using all the available crash tests, it also uses weight and safety features and combines them all into one relative risk rating based on available statistics and studies. In the past, combined rating attempts like this have always been somewhat arbitrary, weighting one factor higher than another without any statistical merit. Also see our webpage at www.suvsafety.info .
 

michele12

New member
Thanks for the info Darren!
I am wondering why informedforlife.com has ratings for pretty much every year except 1998. I see 2004-2007, 1999-2002 and 1994-1997. My car in question is a 98. Weird
 
Last edited:

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
Actually, the useful ratings at www.informedforlife.org started in 2004. Even then, many vehicles lacked side impact tests and the results were not as useful as in later years. By 2006, many vehicles have a full set of test results and no "blanks" in the field.

The earlier results are not based on crash test data or other comparable factors. The 1994-2002 (excluding 1998) data is straight from the IIHS fatality statistics. These statistics are not nearly as reliable because they have a large element of driver demographics in them. The results from 2004-2007 try to mimic the earlier fatality statistical rating by using measures like crash test scores, weight and safety features.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,655
Messages
2,196,895
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top