Beyond the "G"
3. Active vs. Passive Safety
While a "G" rating is a fantastic starting point, its not the only thing you should consider when evaluating a car's safety. Think of it as a vital piece of the puzzle, but not the entire picture. There are other factors, specifically the safety technology to consider, to get the clearest assessment of a vehicle's ability to protect its occupants.
Consider the difference between active and passive safety features. Passive safety refers to features that protect you during a crash, like airbags, seatbelts, and the cars structural design (which is what the IIHS tests primarily evaluate). Active safety, on the other hand, refers to features that help prevent a crash from happening in the first place. These include things like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Ideally, you want a car that excels in both active and passive safety. A "G" rating indicates excellent passive safety, but make sure to also check for available active safety features. The IIHS also evaluates and rates some of these active safety systems, which they call advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Many new vehicles offer these technologies, and they are becoming increasingly effective at preventing accidents.
Also, consider the size and weight of the vehicle. In general, larger and heavier vehicles tend to offer better protection in a crash than smaller, lighter ones. However, smaller cars are constantly improving in safety, and many now achieve "G" ratings in crash tests. It's a complex equation, but one worth considering. Plus, think about what safety features would specifically help you. If you do a lot of highway driving, maybe adaptive cruise control is a must-have. If you parallel park often, parking sensors could be a lifesaver.
