Honda Motor Co. Accord received the highest safety rating among crash tested 2011 model cars. Honda beat competitors Toyota and Hyundai using new safety standards. According to Bloomberg, Honda’s top-selling U.S. model Accord received the coveted five-star rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Six cars rated in the five star category, but the Accord is the first and only to receive five stars in all three categories.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stated that ratings are intended to raise safety standards and utilize updated crash test safety standards to judge new cars. Adjustments to previous safety procedures include the use of female crash-test dummies to collect data about head, neck, and leg injuries.
The 2011 Honda Accord was awarded five stars on side and frontal crashes, along with rollovers. The Hyundai Sonata received five stars for side crashes and rollovers, and four for frontal crashes. The Toyota Camry, the United States’ best-selling passenger vehicle, received three stars overall. The agency will perform further tests on 2011 model-year cars and trucks, and add those results to a list at SaferCar.gov.
As a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, I am glad cars are recognized for achieving safety performance standards. I hope to see fewer personal injuries due to this award-winning technology.
