NEWS-05
the safety of a vehicle. But this year, the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety says better headlights are also necessary to make its annual top
safety list.>
The insurance industry`s latest auto safety ratings are out. As Craig Boswell reports, its experts are looking at the latest models in a whole new light.
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CRAIG BOSWELL: Crash tests on the front and side are a major factor in determining the safety of a vehicle. But this year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says better headlights are also necessary to make its annual top safety list.
ADRIAN LUND (IIHS, President): We have raised the bar for auto manufacturers. You`ve got to have head lamps that do a good job or an acceptable job of lighting up the road in front of you at night.
CRAIG BOSWELL: IIHS President Adrian Lund says lighting can help prevent a crash. Here`s the view from a high-rated headlight where potential obstacles are visible compared to a vehicle that received a poor headlight rating. Of some two hundred vehicles tested, thirty-eight received the top honor of safety pick plus. Toyota Lexus had the most models, followed by Honda and its Acura division.
Are cars safer now more than ever before?
ADRIAN LUND: Absolutely.
CRAIG BOSWELL: Automatic emergency braking is part of the reason why. It`s now standard in more than twenty models. Motor Trend`s Chris Clonts says two years ago when the IIHS made auto braking part of their safety criteria, car companies quickly added it. He believes they`ll do the same with improved headlights.
CHRIS CLONTS (Motor Trend): When consumers are asked what their priorities are when shopping for a car, safety is always one of the top three items that they mention.
CRAIG BOSWELL: And you don`t have to break the bank to buy safety. The IIHS found top performing cars in almost every vehicle class.
Craig Boswell, CBS News, Washington.
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