How to Find Vehicle Safety Ratings
- 1). Visit the U.S. government's Safer Car website to find out how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) accident test ratings have been designed for vehicle models and weight classes. The site also provides data on test changes and improvements since 1997.
- 2). Use the Safer Car links to find out if your current vehicle or potential purchase has been rated by NHTSA. The vehicles selected for crash test ratings were chosen based on anticipated high volume of sales. If your vehicle is not in this category, use the links provided to try additional testing sites.
- 3). View Insurance Institute for Highway Safety vehicle crash test videos and photos on the Microsoft Network (MSN) auto website. You will find safety ratings for many new and older model vehicles on the site, along with tips that can make driving your vehicle safer, regardless of its rating.
- 4). Select the vehicle model, year and make from the MSN auto website's drop down boxes. Get expert and user ratings and information about the vehicle's safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, side air bags, special suspension and stability features. Compare your chosen vehicles to others here too.
- 5). Get up-to-date safety ratings for new vehicles on the Road and Travel website. Look in the archives on the site, if you are considering a vehicle that is not new. See important criteria that you should take into consideration when reviewing vehicle safety ratings. You will also find safety data from Consumer Reports test experts.