Official - small cars more dangerous in head on crashes

A new study from the US highlights the increased risk of death and injury posed by the small car involved in a head-on crash, even when it is fitted with the latest safety equipment.

A report published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that even with airbags, electronic stability control and strong front-crash ratings, small cars are much more dangerous in head-on collisions than larger vehicles.

The research also notes that poorly designed large or medium-sized cars may be less protective than the best-designed small car but adds that crash test ratings are not a reliable measure because of the way the tests are carried out.

The Institute recently tested 2009 models of the Honda Fit and Accord, the Smart Fortwo and Mercedes C-Class, and the Toyota Camry and Yaris.

All were crashed into a midsized car.

The Fit, Fortwo and Yaris performed poorly, proving the point that mass, coupled with acceleration, determines the force of a crash.

According to the report, the force of a crash is based on the weight of the crashing vehicle, which determines how much speed must be absorbed during the impact, and the size of the vehicle, which can determine how close the driver is positioned to the front of the vehicle.

IIHS statistics show that in 2007, death rates for small cars involved in multi-car crashes were nearly twice as high as those for large sedans.

In single-car crashes, 11 people per million were killed in large sedans, compared with 35 per million killed in small cars.