RAC has released its 2016 Used Car Safety Ratings guide, which looks at millions of second-hand cars each year which have been involved in real-world crashes and scores them on their safety credentials.
RAC has released its 2016 Used Car Safety Ratings guide, which looks at millions of second-hand cars each year which have been involved in real-world crashes and scores them on their safety credentials.
 

RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels, Alex Forrest, said safety varies significantly between vehicles so the Used Car Safety Ratings guide is an important tool for parents, young drivers and Western Australians looking to purchase a second-hand vehicle.

“Simply put, choosing a vehicle which has performed well in the Used Car Safety Ratings could be a matter of life or death in the event of a serious crash,” Mr Forrest said.

“Although most vehicles meet specified design rules, it is clear that some only just exceed the minimum safety standards while others exceed them by a significant margin, which is why it’s a good idea to read this guide carefully.”

The ratings are calculated by Monash University’s Accident Research Centre and are based on more than 7.5 million real-life crashes reported by Police between 1982 to 2014, accounting for 95 per cent of all registered passenger and light commercial vehicles manufactured during that period.

Mr Forrest said the guide highlights how easy it is for people to make a safe choice for roughly the same amount of money.

“In the same crash, a driver of the worst-rated vehicle is seven times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than the same driver in the best-rated vehicle,” he said.

This video demonstrates the significant and dramatic difference made by features such as side airbags.

“If you were driving this car with side airbags, your chance of a serious head injury would be about one per cent. But without side airbags, this jumps to 98 per cent,” Mr Forrest said.

Mr Forrest recommends choosing a used car which has been awarded the coveted Safe Pick rating because they are deemed the best of the best.
“Safe Pick-rated cars must be fitted with Electronic Stability Control while also performing well in protecting occupants and other road users,” he said.

RAC is a supporter of the Used Car Safety Ratings research program by Monash University Accident Research Centre in partnership with Australia’s and New Zealand’s motoring clubs and the State Government road safety agencies.

RAC Media - 0401 703 719

Back to top