Navigating the road safely requires knowledge and preparation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, offers a wealth of resources to help drivers make informed decisions about vehicle safety, whether researching a new purchase or understanding the safety features of their current car.
**Accessing Safety Ratings with Ease**
The NHTSA website features a user-friendly 5-Star Crash Test and Rollover Ratings search engine. This tool allows users to quickly find safety ratings for vehicles by specifying the make, model, and year. The ratings are presented on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars representing the highest level of safety. The database contains test results dating back to 1990, making it a valuable resource for evaluating used vehicles.
**Understanding the Rating System**
The NHTSA’s safety ratings are based on rigorous testing procedures, including:
1. **Frontal Crash Test:** Simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles. Crash test dummies are placed in the driver and front passenger seats and secured with seat belts. The vehicle is then crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph.
2. **Side Crash Test:** Represents an intersection-type collision. Dummies are placed in the driver and rear passenger seats (driver’s side), and a 3,015-pound barrier impacts the standing vehicle at 38.5 mph.
3. **Rollover Ratings Test:** Evaluates a vehicle’s resistance to rollovers. Starting with the 2004 model year, this includes a dynamic “fishhook” test, a serpentine on-the-road maneuver that measures rollover risk. Earlier model years’ rollover ratings are based on a static test assessing the vehicle’s “top heaviness.”
**Reporting Defects and Recalls**
The NHTSA website also provides a platform for reporting potential vehicle defects. Users can file safety complaints, research ongoing investigations, and check for recalls. These online submissions contribute to identifying safety issues, initiating recalls, and improving overall highway safety. Complaints can be filed for vehicles, vehicle equipment, tires, and child safety seats. The site offers additional information on rollover prevention, airbag safety, and tire ratings.