Vehicle safety is a top priority for truck buyers, but what exactly defines a safe truck? At Car news, we rely on the rating systems from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to determine the safety score of each truck. These rating systems evaluate crashworthiness, rollover risk, and safety features.
What Makes a Truck Safe?
To be considered one of the safest pickup trucks, a truck must earn a five-star rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. However, at Car news, we go a step further. Instead of relying on ratings from a single model year, we calculate a truck’s safety score based on its average safety ratings over five model years. We also provide a comprehensive list of standard and optional safety features for each truck, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.
Practicing Vehicle Safety
While today’s trucks come equipped with advanced safety systems, safe driving habits are still crucial. Despite their car-like ride and handling, trucks are taller and heavier than traditional cars, making them more prone to rollovers. Truck drivers should be mindful of these factors, allowing for greater stopping distances and careful maneuvering when parking. Additionally, understanding how off-road and towing technologies work is essential before venturing off the beaten path or hauling a trailer.
As a pickup truck driver, you are the most important safety feature in your vehicle. While our lists can help you identify trucks with high safety scores and advanced safety technologies, it is essential to supplement these systems with safe driving practices. Always wear your seat belt, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and stay focused on the road.
Modern Safety Technology Terms and Definitions:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies brakes when sensors detect an imminent collision, even if the driver doesn’t react.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between low beams and high beams based on the driving conditions.
- Blind-Spot Monitor: Alerts the driver when another vehicle is in the blind spot, reducing the chance of a collision during a lane change.
- Cross-Traffic Alert: Monitors the movement of vehicles passing in front of or behind a parked vehicle, warning the driver of potential collisions.
- Driver Attention Monitoring: Monitors driver behavior and provides warnings if signs of distraction or fatigue are detected.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Applies brakes when a vehicle skids or slides, enhancing stability on slippery surfaces or curvy roads.
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver of a potential or likely collision, often working in conjunction with Automatic Emergency Braking.
- Hill Descent Control: Maintains a set speed as a vehicle descends off-road or slippery surfaces on steep inclines.
- Hill Start Assist: Maintains brake pressure to prevent a vehicle from rolling back when starting on a steep incline.
- Lane Centering: Uses small steering corrections to keep a vehicle centered in its lane.
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.
- Lane-Keeping Assist: Monitors the vehicle’s position in its lane and makes steering corrections to prevent drifting.
- Parking Sensors: Produces audible warnings to help the driver gauge the proximity to objects when parking.
- Pedestrian Detection: Uses sensors to detect pedestrians and can apply brakes to avoid collisions or reduce vehicle speed.
- Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from vehicles in front, reducing the need for frequent speed adjustments.
- Rear Seat Reminder: Reminds the driver to check the rear seat area before exiting the vehicle and detects rear-seat movement after the vehicle is locked.
- Safe Exit Assist: Monitors street traffic when the car is parked to prevent opening a door when another vehicle is approaching.
- Steering Assist: Steers the vehicle away from an imminent collision to prevent an accident.
- Surround View Camera: Provides an overhead view of the vehicle to assist with parking or maneuvering at low speeds.
- Trailer Brake Controller: Integrates the trailer’s brake system with the tow vehicle’s brake system.
- Trailer Sway Control: Applies brakes to individual wheels to reduce trailer instability.
With these advanced safety technologies, you can feel confident in your truck’s ability to protect you and your passengers on the road.
FAQs
Q: Can I solely rely on safety technologies in my truck?
A: While safety technologies can greatly assist in preventing accidents, safe driving practices should always be practiced in conjunction with these systems.
Q: Do all trucks come with the same safety features?
A: No, the availability of safety features can vary between different truck models and trim levels. It’s important to check the specific features offered by each truck.
Q: Can towing impact a truck’s safety?
A: Towing can affect a truck’s performance and stability. It’s crucial to understand proper towing procedures, including how to attach a trailer and drive safely while towing.
Conclusion
At Car news, we understand the importance of vehicle safety. By considering a truck’s safety ratings and features, along with adopting safe driving practices, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable driving experience. Remember, the safest trucks are those driven responsibly by knowledgeable and attentive drivers.
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