{"id":353360,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/safety-search-vehicles-and-equipment.html"},"modified":"2024-02-05T14:33:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T19:33:26","slug":"safety-search-vehicles-and-equipment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/safety-search-vehicles-and-equipment.html","title":{"rendered":"Vehicles and Equipment Safety Search: A Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Vehicles and Equipment Safety Search: A Guide<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/oni-harton-j-d\/\">Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            February 05, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Before buying a vehicle, it&#8217;s important to research its safety ratings and check for any known defects or recalls. Certain organizations conduct crash tests and evaluate safety features such as airbags, brakes, headlights, and child seats. Their findings help consumers choose vehicles that meet high safety standards.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>American auto manufacturers must market\u00a0safe vehicles. This means the cars and their components are not defective. It also means they manufacture the vehicles correctly. Unfortunately, there are times when a car, truck, or SUV hits the road with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/vehicle-recalls-and-defects.html\">safety defects<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When this happens, vehicle occupants get hurt in traffic accidents. It&#8217;s essential that you thoroughly research the type of vehicle you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/buying-a-car.html\">buy before heading to the dealership<\/a>. Automotive safety is paramount if you have children to protect.<\/p>\n<p>This article discusses common safety feature defects in passenger vehicles. It also explains how you can check the safety of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/buying-or-leasing-a-car-general-tips.html\">new vehicle<\/a>. This includes finding stats on accident fatalities, rollover incidents, and seat belt injuries.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll learn how to research:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vehicle safety<\/li>\n<li>Crash test ratings<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/car-defects-the-concept-of-crashworthiness.html\">Crashworthiness<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Airbag safety information<\/li>\n<li>New safety devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Use the links below from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/vehicle-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration<\/a> (NHTSA) to find the safest car for your family.<\/p>\n<h2>Vehicle Safety and Crash Tests and Collision Prevention<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iihs.org\/ratings\/about-our-tests\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety<\/a> (IIHS) is a non-profit organization that conducts safety tests on new and existing vehicles. Its primary goals are to reduce vehicle fatalities and increase car safety.<\/p>\n<p>The IIHS also strives to pressure automakers to implement safety systems that meet and exceed NHTSA safety standards. Depending on the type of test you&#8217;re looking for, the organization&#8217;s website offers data from the 1990s.<\/p>\n<p>The IIHS performs four main types of crash tests on passenger cars:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Frontal crash prevention systems<\/li>\n<li>Headlights<\/li>\n<li>Seat belt reminder systems<\/li>\n<li>Child seat attachment hardware (LATCH)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The IIHS also tests for side impact in vehicle crashes. It also checks if the motor vehicle has safety control systems, such as lane departure warnings and an automatic emergency braking system.<\/p>\n<p>The factors IIHS engineers consider include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Injury measures<\/li>\n<li>Structure and safety cage<\/li>\n<li>Restraint systems and crash test dummy movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In 2021, the IIHS changed its testing procedures and adopted its &#8220;New Car Assessment Program.&#8221; They increased the severity of test crashes. For example, they intentionally use driver blind spots during pedestrian accident tests. They also started using more realistic barriers in their testing.<\/p>\n<p>You can visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iihs.org\/ratings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IIHS website<\/a>\u00a0to see how different cars scored on their tests.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Components of the NHTSA and IIHS Test<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/ratings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration<\/a>\u00a0(NHTSA) and IIHS test vehicles and automotive components for safety. When you buy a car, you can check how these organizations rated the passenger vehicle.<\/p>\n<p>Some components these organizations rate include the following types of safety technology:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Antilock braking system (ABS)<\/li>\n<li>Electronic stability control (ESC)<\/li>\n<li>Shoulder belts<\/li>\n<li>Turn signals<\/li>\n<li>Warning systems<\/li>\n<li>Adaptive cruise control<\/li>\n<li>Forward collision warning<\/li>\n<li>Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)<\/li>\n<li>Brake assist<\/li>\n<li>Airbags<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>NHTSA and IIHS aren&#8217;t the only entities that test vehicles for road safety. For example, companies like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">J.D. Power<\/a>\u00a0rate vehicles for safety and publish their findings annually. They test new cars made by companies such as Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and Volvo.<\/p>\n<h2>Tire Safety<\/h2>\n<p>If your tires aren&#8217;t working correctly, there&#8217;s a good chance you&#8217;ll get into an accident. At a minimum, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Sometimes, you encounter issues with your tires because you didn&#8217;t have a mechanic rotate them. Or they may need air.<\/p>\n<p>Other times, you may experience problems with defective tires. Keep an eye out for tire recalls. If you bought a car with faulty tires, the auto manufacturer must replace or repair them free of charge.<\/p>\n<h2>Airbag and Safety Belt Safety<\/h2>\n<p>Defective airbags cause thousands of injuries every year. When you&#8217;re considering buying a new vehicle, check to see if there have been any airbag recalls. Airbags are standard equipment on passenger vehicles today. You shouldn&#8217;t have problems finding information about their safety and effectiveness online.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/seat-belt-and-child-restraint-violations.html\">Safety belts<\/a> are also a standard feature on new cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Of course, a seatbelt can only keep you safe if you wear it. But you must review recent safety ratings for your car&#8217;s front and rear seat restraints.<\/p>\n<h2>Headlights and Other Vision Components<\/h2>\n<p>The IIHS conducts tests on passenger vehicle headlights. They ensure that all models of new cars have functioning headlights. They also test to see if a car&#8217;s headlights illuminate the road enough for the driver to see near and far.<\/p>\n<p>You can search online for recent data on your car&#8217;s headlights, rear-view mirrors, and other vision components.<\/p>\n<h2>Brakes<\/h2>\n<p>If your brakes don&#8217;t work correctly, you risk getting into a severe accident. This requires more than having your brakes checked periodically. You must ensure that you review your vehicle&#8217;s safety ratings to see if there are issues with its brakes.<\/p>\n<p>There are various components to your braking system. These components include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Calipers<\/li>\n<li>Brakes<\/li>\n<li>Rotors<\/li>\n<li>Brake pads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are also lines carrying brake fluid to your brakes. If they don&#8217;t all work properly, your brakes will fail, and you may crash into another car, a tree, or other barriers.<\/p>\n<h2>Child Seats<\/h2>\n<p>NHTSA performs rigorous testing on child seats. They test them for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ease of use<\/li>\n<li>Safety<\/li>\n<li>Protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>NHTSA gives each child seat one to five stars based on how they rate them.<\/p>\n<p>You can visit the NHTSA website for ratings of popular car seat manufacturers. You can also visit the manufacturer&#8217;s website to see how many stars the organization gave their products.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/car-seats\/safest-car-seat-for-your-child\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Reports<\/a>\u00a0also provides valuable information on child seats. You can also find information on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/your-right-to-recall-remedies.html\">vehicle safety and recalls<\/a>\u00a0there as well.<\/p>\n<h2>What To Do if You Suffer an Injury From a Defective Vehicle<\/h2>\n<p>You have options if you or your loved one are in an accident due to a safety defect in your vehicle. Meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal rights. You may have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries.html\">legal claim<\/a>\u00a0against your car&#8217;s manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">product liability attorneys<\/a> can get you started. . Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Your search results will also link you to additional details about the attorneys\u2019 experience with vehicle defect cases.<\/p>\n<h2>Additional Vehicle Safety Resources<\/h2>\n<p>Use the links below for more help researching crash testing and vehicle safety.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/ratings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vehicle Crash Tests and Ratings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/vehicle-safety\/tires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tire Rating and Safety Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/vehicle-safety\/air-bags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air Bag Safety Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/vehicle-safety\/car-seats-and-booster-seats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Safety: Car Seat Safety, Ratings, and Guidelines<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/choosing-a-safe-vehicle.html\">Choosing a Safe Car<\/a> (FindLaw)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information 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                           id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help gather evidence and documentation to support your claim\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL3905\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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