The IIHS Raises Safety Standards for Top Safety Pick+ Award
As we approach the 2024 model year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has implemented stricter requirements for its prestigious Top Safety Pick+ (TSPP) award. This means that previous winners of the award will not be grandfathered in and must meet the new safety standards to continue being sold as TSPP-awarded vehicles. Notably, this year, the IIHS has placed a significant emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), with nearly a fifth of TSPP cars being electric.
New Safety Standards for Top Safety Pick+ Award
The IIHS, an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization, is renowned for its rigorous testing and evaluation of vehicle safety. The TSPP award is the highest recognition given by the IIHS to vehicles that provide outstanding protection in crash tests, as well as advanced safety features to prevent accidents.
For the 2024 model year, the IIHS has raised the bar even higher by introducing stricter requirements for the TSPP award. These new standards aim to address emerging safety concerns and promote the adoption of advanced safety technologies.
One of the key changes in the new requirements is the inclusion of more stringent criteria for front crash prevention systems. Vehicles must now demonstrate superior performance in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios to qualify for the TSPP award. This change reflects the growing importance of pedestrian safety and the need for vehicles to actively mitigate collisions with pedestrians.
In addition, the IIHS has expanded its evaluation of headlights, recognizing their crucial role in nighttime visibility. To earn the TSPP award, vehicles must now have good or acceptable-rated headlights as standard equipment across all trim levels. This change encourages automakers to prioritize high-quality headlights in their vehicle designs, enhancing safety for nighttime driving.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Top Safety Pick+
With the increasing popularity and advancements in electric vehicle technology, the IIHS has also focused on evaluating the safety performance of EVs. In fact, nearly a fifth of the vehicles awarded the TSPP designation are electric.
Electric vehicles have unique safety considerations due to their high-voltage battery systems and different powertrain configurations. The IIHS has adapted its testing protocols to account for these factors and ensure that EVs meet the same rigorous safety standards as traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Furthermore, the IIHS has recognized the potential of electric vehicles to contribute to a safer and more sustainable transportation future. By awarding TSPP to EVs, the IIHS aims to incentivize automakers to continue investing in the safety of electric vehicles and accelerate their adoption.
The Impact on Automakers
The stricter requirements for the TSPP award pose a challenge for automakers who have previously received the accolade. These manufacturers must now invest in improving the safety features of their vehicles to meet the new standards. Failure to do so could result in losing the TSPP designation, which could have a negative impact on sales and consumer perception.
However, this increased focus on safety benefits both automakers and consumers. Automakers are compelled to innovate and enhance their vehicle designs to meet the evolving safety standards, ultimately leading to safer vehicles on the road. Consumers, on the other hand, can have greater confidence in the safety of TSPP-awarded vehicles, knowing that they have undergone rigorous testing and meet the highest safety standards.
Conclusion
The IIHS’s decision to raise safety standards for the Top Safety Pick+ award reflects their commitment to promoting vehicle safety and encouraging automakers to prioritize safety features. With the inclusion of stricter criteria for front crash prevention systems and improved evaluation of headlights, the IIHS aims to address emerging safety concerns and enhance nighttime visibility.
Additionally, the recognition of electric vehicles in the TSPP award highlights the growing importance of EV safety and encourages automakers to invest in this technology. As the automotive industry evolves, these heightened safety standards will ultimately benefit both automakers and consumers, leading to safer vehicles on our roads.
