What type of car is the safest?

I have been looking at a number of articles/videos on what the safest type of car is and some say you can't beat the laws of physics so they recommend a big heavy car, others say that new modern cars have crumple zones and have much harder body compared to a few years ago and others say 4x4's are the safest because of their height and weight.

What type of car do you think is safest? I have a Ford Focus and watched a 4x4 practically drive over the bonnet so i'm starting to wonder if a 4x4 may be the safest option?

Asked on 23 October 2012 by kristiancrowshaw1

Answered by Honest John

No, you can't beat the laws of physics. And the forces of a big heavy car hitting a solid object are more likely to kill you than those exerted by a lighter, properly deforming car hitting a solid object. The most likely cars to kill you as a passenger are big SUVs on chassis. But obviously, if you are in a small car and you are hit by something much bigger, you are likely to come out second best.

Tags: safety crash

Similar questions

What weight of driver is crash tested in Peugeot's larger models?

In today's Telegraph there is a very short article about an inquest on the death of a heavy woman in a 107. If Peugeot only test crash 107s to 78kg it begs the question to what weight of drivers do they...

I discovered our privately bought van has accident damage - what are my rights?

I bought a used van privately in October 2022 (5 months ago). It has developed several faults during that time which I have put down to bad luck and had repaired — bad battery, faulty alternator, coolant...

Big bang theories - insurance woes

A truck in front had a blowout and I hit the tyre on the road. I got the 3rd party details and have put a claim through my insurance. My insurance company put a claim against the 3rd party insurance. However,...