News archive

Automatic braking could be improved

Dec 21, 2023 — Front crash prevention systems aren’t as good at preventing crashes with large trucks and motorcycles as they are crashes with cars. An upcoming IIHS ratings program aims to change that.

Automakers fulfill autobrake pledge

Dec 21, 2023 — All 20 participating automakers have fulfilled a voluntary pledge to equip nearly all the light vehicles they produce for the U.S. market with automatic emergency braking.

Luxury SUVs excel in updated test

Dec 14, 2023 — Three out of eight midsize luxury SUVs earn good ratings in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, while two more are rated acceptable.

BMW 5 series earns top accolade

Dec 8, 2023 — The 2024 BMW 5 series qualifies for Top Safety Pick+, while inferior headlights prevent the 2024 BMW X5 from earning an award.

Insight

Virtual testing could bring real progress

Nov 28, 2023 — The future of the IIHS rear-impact test program will include virtual testing with computer models. These tools can help us usher in more advancements in neck injury prevention for a diverse population.

By Marcy Edwards

Large pickups flub newest crash test

Nov 7, 2023 — Three of four large pickups tested earn poor ratings in the Institute’s updated moderate overlap front test, but the group performed well in the updated side test.

Will deer strikes spike this fall?

Oct 18, 2023 — Insurance claims for animal strikes typically go way up during the November deer mating season. But last year’s claim rates were even lower than during the 2020 lockdown.

Better ways to track distraction?

Oct 5, 2023 — Roadside cameras and telematics data could provide a more complete picture of driver cellphone use, two new IIHS studies suggest.

Audi Q7 takes top accolade

Sep 28, 2023 — The large SUV qualifies for Top Safety Pick+ following adjustments to the headlights to eliminate excessive glare.

Minivans falter in rear-seat safety

Sep 19, 2023 — None of the four minivans tested by IIHS earns an acceptable or good rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which emphasizes protection for passengers in the back seat.

BMW X3 qualifies for top honors

Sep 7, 2023 — With a standard front crash prevention system that earns superior ratings in both the daytime and nighttime evaluations, the midsize luxury SUV exceeds the Top Safety Pick+ criteria.

Mitsubishi Outlander earns Top Safety Pick

Sep 5, 2023 — The midsize SUV comes with good-rated headlights and a standard front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian test.

Which vehicles are most likely to be stolen?

Aug 31, 2023 — The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger HEMI top HLDI’s list of the most-stolen vehicles for model years 2020-22. Four Kia vehicles make the top 20, thanks to a viral trend.

Insight

Simple steps to save riders’ lives

Aug 24, 2023 — Motorcyclist deaths are at a record high. Universal helmet laws and standard antilock braking systems, as well as more robust crash avoidance systems on other vehicles, could reverse the trend.

By Eric Teoh

Honda Pilot earns Top Safety Pick+

Aug 1, 2023 — The redesigned midsize SUV now earns good ratings in all four required crashworthiness tests and superior ratings in the daytime and nighttime pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations.

Insight

Leveraging smartphones for safety

Jul 25, 2023 — Smartphones are among the most common causes of distracted driving. Could they also help prevent it?

By Ian Reagan

Audi notches 7 IIHS awards

Jul 18, 2023 — Five models earn the highest award, Top Safety Pick+, and two others qualify for Top Safety Pick.

Which cars are deadliest?

Jul 13, 2023 — The latest driver death rates show the dangers of muscle cars in addition to the minicars and small cars that usually dominate the list. 

Small pickups struggle in new crash test

Jun 28, 2023 — None of the five small crew cab pickups IIHS tested earns a good rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which now includes a second dummy positioned in the rear seat behind the driver.

BMW X1 earns highest IIHS award

Jun 22, 2023 — Redesigned for the 2023 model year, the small SUV now boasts a front crash prevention system that earns superior ratings in both the daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

Technology that brakes for bicyclists

Jun 6, 2023 — Early versions of Subaru’s EyeSight system prevented nearly 30 percent of crashes with bicycles traveling parallel to the roadway but had little effect on crossing crashes — the most common variety.

Mitsubishi SUV earns Top Safety Pick

Jun 1, 2023 — The redesigned Outlander Plug-in Hybrid qualifies for the award following a recent modification to the driver-side torso airbag and other changes.

IIHS welcomes proposed AEB requirement

May 31, 2023 — NHTSA’s plan to mandate automatic emergency braking that functions at high speeds and protects pedestrians at night will save many lives.

This year’s top vehicles for teens

May 23, 2023 — Amid stubbornly high prices, IIHS and Consumer Reports have found some safe and reliable choices that won’t break the bank.

How zippy should e-scooters be?

May 16, 2023 — Restricting electric scooters to a top speed of 10 mph encourages riders to use the sidewalk, a decision with both pros and cons for riders and pedestrians.

Rear protection lags in small cars

May 11, 2023 — None of the five small cars IIHS tested earns a good rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which includes a second dummy positioned in the rear seat.

Second Rivian model snags award

May 3, 2023 — The 2023 R1S qualifies for Top Safety Pick+ thanks to improved performance in the original moderate overlap front crash test.

Insight

Can we kick impaired driving to the curb?

Apr 20, 2023 — Recent action by Congress could finally put an end to one of the most deadly and persistent highway safety problems. Let's make sure we get it right.

By David Zuby

SUVs spell danger to cyclists

Apr 13, 2023 — Fatal bicycle crash rates have risen dramatically over the past decade. The increasing numbers of SUVs in the U.S. fleet, and their taller front ends, could help explain why.

Changing minds to stop distracted driving

Mar 30, 2023 — When it comes to reducing distracted driving, enforcement is just one piece of the puzzle, new IIHS research shows. An emphasis on human relationships and solutions to address workplace pressures are also key.

Lower limits make Seattle streets safer

Mar 28, 2023 — In downtown Seattle, lowering default speed limits reduced the likelihood that a crash would involve an injury by a fifth on arterial roads.

Back-seat safety lags in midsize SUVs

Mar 14, 2023 — Only four of 13 midsize SUVs tested earn good ratings in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which now incorporates a dummy in the second row.

Insight

Heavy EVs may be a drag on safety

Mar 9, 2023 — Electric vehicles are just as safe as other vehicles for their occupants, but unless we take action their weight will put other road users at risk.

By Raul Arbelaez

Vehicle technology is not a silver bullet

Mar 7, 2023 — IIHS President David Harkey shared the Institute's research on the benefits and limitations of technology during a Capitol Hill briefing on autonomous vehicles. 

Real-world proof that ratings matter

Mar 2, 2023 — Driving a vehicle that earns a good rating in the IIHS driver-side small overlap front test reduces the risk of dying in a frontal crash as much as 12 percent.

Crash avoidance features complicate repairs

Feb 15, 2023 — Advanced driver assistance systems offer impressive safety benefits, but the features can be tricky to repair, especially after crash damage or a windshield replacement.

Ziegler becomes IIHS Board chair

Feb 6, 2023 — Scott Wesley Ziegler, general manager of personal lines at Progressive Insurance, has been elected chair of the IIHS Board of Directors for 2023.

Zacchera stays on as HLDI Board chair

Feb 6, 2023 — Stefanie Zacchera, vice president of personal lines data and analytics at The Hartford, will serve another year as chair of the HLDI Board of Directors.