Basic Info on Crashworthiness

The crashworthiness of a vehicle is the ability the vehicle has to keep you safe in case of an accident. Crashworthiness is tested and retested to ensure the safety of the passengers in the event of an accident. There are several centers located across the country that investigate crashworthiness and help to not only reduce fatalities and injury but also help increase safety on the roadways. They accomplish this by becoming as knowledgeable as possible about crashes, sharing their information with auto manufacturers and using computer simulated machinery to learn about causes of accidents and vehicle response. Although crashworthiness relates to vehicle safety, it is important to understand that they are not the same. The safety afforded by a vehicle depends both on crashworthiness and accident avoidance features. Accident avoidance features include but are not limited to ABS, good handling characteristics, or even oversize tires. These two concepts are so frequently confused that often the crashworthiness of the vehicle is under suspicion. It is conceivable that one vehicle might be safer statistically than another and still have a significant crashworthiness defect. It's even possible that the vehicle could even be less crashworthy overall while still being a safer vehicle. Crashworthiness features can include such things as seat belts, side air bags, head rests, and interior padding. All of these features have been available since the 1970's but not all vehicles have them and even if they do, there is no guarantee that they are in working order. Crashworthiness features are based on detailed testing and investigation. It should be noted, though, that they will not protect all victims in the case of an accident that is less than common or even one that is common. As standards increase vehicle safety will increase and safety on the roads will in turn increase. For more information on motor vehicle accidents and crashworthiness, we encourage you to browse our frequently asked questions on crashworthiness. It is imperative that you speak with a skilled car accident lawyer, truck and motorcycle accident lawyers, or product liability attorney. It is in your best interest to speak with our Birmingham, Alabama personal injury attorney.