When shopping for a new car, it’s crucial to know how safe it is. That’s why the Canadian government has taken the initiative to improve its safety rating system for new cars. Not only will the new system evaluate how effective a vehicle is at protecting passengers during an accident, but also whether the vehicle is equipped with technology that will help it prevent crashes.
The current system rates vehicles on a 5-star scale by using crash tests to determine how well the car protects passengers from a variety of crashes, including front, side and rollovers. In the new system, crash tests will continue to heavily influence the vehicle ratings, but now these ratings will also take into account whether sensors are able to detect oncoming collisions and respond by braking, and whether the vehicle can notify drivers if another car is in their blind spot.
Crash tests will also be revised with crash test dummies that more realistically recreate what happens to human bodies during an accident. In addition, crash tests will be updated to include accidents involving collisions that happen at an angle. They will also provide higher ratings to vehicles that are capable of protecting pedestrians from injuries. All changes will go into effect next year after a 60-day public input gathering period.
By 2019, consumers will find a 1 to 5 star rating featured on all new cars to assist them in choosing a vehicle that is right for their safety needs. You can learn more about the new standards by clicking here.
If you experience an accident, report it to your insurance company immediately and seek medical attention right away to ensure that you receive the benefits and medical care you are entitled to. If you want to know more about your rights in an accident, contact a lawyer for answers to your questions. For more information, visit our accident lawyer section.
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