Citrus County Injury Attorney Blog
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a press release recently regarding their planned upgrades to the current five-star safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that they will be introducing a new crash test, new human-like crash dummies and advanced crash avoidance technology ratings. These new changes will not only give consumers more information to help them choose a safe vehicle, but should encourage vehicle manufacturers to use the latest in crash protection technology and innovations.
Listed below are the planned changes to the five-star safety ratings:
- The rating system will encompass assessment of crash-avoidance and advanced technologies as well as pedestrian protection
- New tests to assess how well vehicles protect pedestrians from head, leg and pelvic injuries
- New frontal oblique crash test that measures how well vehicles protect occupants in an angled frontal crash
- Improved full frontal barrier crash test to drive safety improvements for rear-seat occupants
- New human-like crash dummies with improved data collection and analysis
- An assessment of additional crash avoidance and advanced technologies
- Use of half-star increments to provide more specific information for consumers about safety performance
- The ability to dynamically update the program more swiftly as new technologies emerge
The NHTSA’s five-star safety rating has been informing consumers about the safety of their vehicle choices since 1978. This system is now getting updated and should continue to be updated as new technologies arise regarding passenger occupant safety. Consumers can expect to see these changes take place for model year 2019 vehicles.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in any type of accident due to somebody else’s dangerous, negligent or distracted behavior, it is important to speak with a Citrus County Auto Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton about your case. We can advocate on your behalf during this difficult time – call us today at 352-726-0078 or contact us online.