When shopping for a new car, safety should be a top priority. One of the best ways to evaluate a vehicle’s safety is by looking at its safety ratings. These ratings help consumers understand how well a car will protect them and their passengers in the event of an accident.
Mike White Ford and the entire Ford Motor Company take vehicle safety seriously. Ford continuously leads the industry in developing innovative safety technologies and prioritizes achieving high vehicle safety ratings. Here’s what those ratings mean, why they’re important, and how Ford is committed to keeping you safe on the road.
Understanding Vehicle Safety Ratings
Vehicle safety ratings come from several organizations that conduct crash tests and analyze safety features. The two most widely recognized and trusted rating systems in the U.S. are from a federal agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a private, independent nonprofit organization, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The NHTSA evaluates vehicle safety through its 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. The tests include:
- Frontal Crash Test: Measures how well the car protects passengers in a head-on collision
- Side Crash Test: Evaluates the impact of side collisions, including crashes into poles
- Rollover Resistance Test: Assesses a vehicle’s likelihood of rolling over in sharp turns or emergencies
A 5-star rating is the best a vehicle can receive, indicating top-tier crash protection.
The IIHS assesses vehicles based on crashworthiness and crash prevention. Their ratings include:
- Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor: Using defined parameters, IIHS grades how well a vehicle will withstand a crash.
- Crash Avoidance and Mitigation: Examines and evaluates safety technologies like automatic emergency braking
- Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ –: The highest honors are awarded to vehicles that perform exceptionally well in crash tests and safety features.
Why Safety Ratings Matter
Understanding safety ratings helps you:
- Make informed buying decisions: A vehicle with high safety ratings gives you peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Lower insurance costs: Many insurers offer lower premiums for vehicles with strong safety scores.
- Reduce injury risk: Advanced safety features and strong crash test results mean a higher likelihood of you and yours being able to walk away from an accident unharmed.
Ford’s Commitment to Safety
At Ford, safety is at the core of every vehicle design. Whether in a family SUV like the Ford Explorer, a rugged F-150 pickup, or an efficient Ford Escape, Ford integrates cutting-edge safety technology to protect drivers and passengers. Here are a few key safety innovations that Ford incorporates into its vehicles:
1. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology
Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ is one of the most advanced standard safety suites available, featuring:
- Pre-Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking: This innovative system will detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if necessary
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert: When reversing or changing lanes, this system alerts you both visually and audibly when a vehicle is in your blind spot
- Lane-Keeping System: Helps prevent unintentional lane departures.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: When in cruise control, this system automatically keeps your vehicle a safe distance from the car ahead.
2. Advanced Airbag Systems
Ford vehicles are equipped with intelligent airbag systems, including front, side, and curtain airbags (that deploy from the tops of windows to protect the head and upper body) to provide comprehensive protection in various crash scenarios.
3. High-Strength Steel and Structural Integrity
Ford designs its vehicles with high-strength steel frames and strategically designed crumple zones to absorb the brunt of any impact energy, minimizing injury risk in a collision.
4. Enhanced Rollover Protection
Because of their higher center of gravity, larger Ford vehicles like SUVs and trucks benefit the most from electronic stability control and rollover protection systems to reduce the risk of tipping during sudden maneuvers.
Visit Mike White Ford for a Safe, Reliable Vehicle
When choosing your next vehicle, safety should be at the top of your list. Ford vehicles consistently earn top safety ratings and incorporate state-of-the-art technologies that keep you protected on the road. Mike White Ford is proud to offer new and used Ford models that meet the highest safety standards.
If you’re ready to experience Ford’s industry-leading safety features firsthand, contact our dealership. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect vehicle. Visit a showroom today in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint, Idaho, to view our inventory and take a test drive. You can drive with peace of mind, knowing you’re in one of the safest vehicles on the road!