Cars in the UK are tested by Euro NCAP and every year they generate a list of the safest cars on the road. Vehicles are rated according to the protection they offer the driver, passengers and children on board, as well as pedestrians. Safety technologies are also considered.
Technological advances have improved the safety features of many UK cars.
The crumple effect is a design that has been implemented in modern cars and allows them to absorb collision impacts, protecting the passengers inside. The car may appear to look extremely damaged on the outside, but this is because its crumple zone has come into effect, providing an effective safety feature.
ABS systems (anti-lock breaking systems) allow modern cars to stop and prevent the locking of wheels on slippery roads. This results in a shorter stopping distance for cars today. ABS features are effective in bad weather and, although they will not prevent you being involved in an accident, they attribute to cars becoming safer today.
Car bumpers are now specifically designed to create less of an impact if the vehicle hits a pedestrian, therefore minimising an accident where possible.
Head restraints protect the driver and front passengers from head and neck injuries caused by sudden impacts.
The safest cars in the UK include the BMW 5 Series, the Honda CR-Z, the Alfa Romeo Giuliette and the Toyota Verso, to name a few.
Euro NCAP also provides a list of the safest seats in cars that prevent whiplash through their excellent support for passengers. These include the Ford C-Max, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Volvo V60, VW Sharan, Skoda Yeti, Seat Alhambra and Kia Sorento.
Euro NCAP list the following as the safest cars:
The Volvo V40 hatchback is considered one of the safest cars on the road, because of its dedication to safety technology as well as pedestrian safety. The car features the world’s first exterior airbag.
The BMW 5 Series features stability control and traction equipment to make it continually one of the safest cars to drive in the UK.
The Vauxhall Mokka SUV received the top marks for a crossover car for its safety technology, designed to protect its occupants.
The Ford Kuga features expensive, effective safety systems, including electronic stability control and range of airbags.
The Hyundai Santa Fe SUV has an impressive record against the side impact test and its passenger compartment is particularly stable against impacts.
The Audi A3 hatchback beat the VW Golf for its safety performance, particularly concerning adult occupancy and pedestrian safety.
The Renault Clio hatchback performed well for a smaller car with its safety technology and adult occupancy.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has electronic stability control, driver speed limitation and seatbelt reminders, making it one of the safest cars. Its passenger compartment remains solid during impact.
The BMW 3 Series performed well with good safety features protecting adult occupancy and having airbags for driver, passenger and side impacts, which are standard on these cars across the range.
