Why are some vehicles more dangerous and how is safety determined?

Not all vehicles are created equal in terms of safety and resilience. Some modes of transportation, such as bicycles and motorcycles, leave users extremely vulnerable during accidents. On the other hand, massive vehicles like big rigs and buses may boast increased protection due to their size and sturdiness, but navigating busy roads can be quite a challenge. Furthermore, specific big rig trucks transporting hazardous materials pose even greater risks in case of a crash.

Taking all these factors into consideration, the overall safety of vehicles becomes a crucial matter. Recognizing this importance, state and federal agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct tests to assign safety ratings to vehicles. This information helps prospective car buyers make informed decisions about the relative safety features and ranking of their potential purchase.

However, it’s worth noting that these ratings don’t cover every type of vehicle on the road. Grasping the distinctions between each vehicle and comprehending why some are more dangerous than others is imperative if you ever find yourself in a road accident.

Who’s responsible for safety ratings?

There are two main organizations which evaluate vehicle safety include:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Both organizations perform extensive crash tests on vehicles to gauge their overall safety and robustness. Such tests encompass a vast array of scenarios and environments, with the collective aim to furnish consumers with an insight into how their chosen car might fare in case of an accident.

Which type of motor vehicle is the most dangerous?

Though the NHTSA and IIHS offer valuable insights into a car’s safety, it’s essential to realize that no vehicle is entirely secure. Several factors contribute to the severity of a car accident, such as velocity, vehicle construction, and the size of other vehicles involved in the collision.

However, certain vehicles display distinct safety features that make them more dangerous than others. Here’s a list of some of the least safe vehicles you might come across:

18 Wheelers – Semi-trucks, or big rigs, rank among the most hazardous vehicles on the road. Their sheer size compared to other road users makes them particularly dangerous. Additionally, their limited maneuverability during accidents or harsh weather conditions and potential carriage of flammable substances or hazardous chemicals amplify the risks associated with these vehicles.

Motorcycles – An unparalleled driving experience comes with riding motorcycles, especially in Texas. However, their ability to reach higher speeds than regular cars and their slim structure make them challenging to operate – a perfect storm for accidents. Furthermore, motorcycle riders often remain unseen by other drivers, reducing safety on roads.

Sports Cars – Built for thrill-seekers, sports cars prioritize speed and agility over safety. Despite adhering to standard safety ratings, their minimalist design and racecar-like elements render them extremely unsafe if an accident occurs.

Compact Cars – Downsizing vehicles do provide certain advantages; however, this reduction enables compact cars to offer less protection than average-sized cars. Accidents in compact cars are more likely to cause broken bones, joint dislocations, or compression injuries.

When you’ve been in an accident, contact an experienced Dallas car wreck attorney

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Texas personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and his 5-star, A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.