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Jul 3, 2007 7:04 pm US/Eastern
Report: SUVs Struggle In Rear-End Collision Tests
Insurance Institute Says 58 Percent Of Light Trucks Failed
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Drivers of big vehicles may think they're safer because of their size, but new crash tests show many SUVs, minivans and pickups don't protect enough when it comes to rear-end collisions.
They may not be as safe as first thought.
"Neck injuries are really the most common injury we see in motor vehicle crashes," said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety.
According to the latest Insurance Institute rear-end crash tests -- 58 percent of light trucks got failing grades. That's 54 of the 87 models tested.
But the Institute said there is some good news. Head and neck protection is getting better.
"Seventeen SUVs, for example, get good ratings for protecting you, compared to only six just a couple of years ago," Lund said.
Among those SUVs getting top marks are the Acura RDX, Ford Freestyle, Honda CRV and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Three minivans also rated good and only one pickup truck -- Toyota's Tundra -- offered good protection.
Automakers who received less than stellar marks defended their vehicles, saying they provide a high degree of safety.
But the Institute said the number of neck injuries doesn't lie.
"There's over 2 million of these a year that are reported to insurance companies," Lund said. "It costs a lot of money -- $8.5 billion dollars a year at least."
The Institute said the key to protecting yourself is to make sure your head restraint is in the proper place -- level with the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as possible.
Mandatory requirements are on the way. Starting in 2010, automakers will have to comply with tougher government guidelines for head restraints.
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