check out this link to http://www.informedforlife.org/
they combine crash testing with actual fatality data to come up with scores for vehicles that rely on more than just crash TEsting data...

 

I see our MINI's are doing very good.

 

^^^ Yeah... People aren't going to think that...

Because itwould involve work to look in the first (pink) column for "Risk Attributed to Weight vs. Average Passenger Car" to see the MINIs score of 16.4 -- which is one of the highest scores in this category out of ALL the cars.

And then be certain that you scroll down to see how "unsafe" all cars with comparable ratings are.

Of course, you'll also want to pay attention to the last few columns, which represent the NHTSA crash test ratings, and note that anything less than a 5 (of their numerical tests) is "earmarked" in red.

... but doing all that is going to be somewhat beyond most consumers, who are going to be rendered googly-eyed by all the columns and shading, read only the large print; "AVOID CARS WITH SCORES >100" at the top of the page, scroll and scroll to find MINI on the second page (gasp!) with a score of 99, then hustle off to their friendly local Acura dealer to purchase a 4 door sedan, stopping only to tell passing MINI-drivers that they're rolling around in death traps.

 

....Still it is interesting data. I think it is a step in the right direction for a more comprehensive analysis of safety and, specifically, relative safety. I agree, however, that there could be a somewhat simplified presentation of the material for the general public.

Also, after reading how these scores are calculated - if the MINI had more test data instead of having to use the "average" for so many items it would probably rank even better. I am making presumptions about the test results - but in good faith. Of course, as stated, the average Joe isn't going to look that far into it either.

 

Wow is it me or is that page simply unbearable to look at. Did they hire out some 9th grader who just learned what a webpage was to build that site? Good lord.

 

Don't you know....the more color the better!!!

 

This is a listing of injury, collision, and theft insurance claims for different cars. I had to print it to look at it.

http://www.highwaysafety.org/brochur.../ictl_0905.pdf

 

http://www.gladwell.com/2004/2004_01_12_a_suv.html

He distinguishes between active and passive safety. Active safety is what you get from small, nimble cars -- you can avoid accidents. Passive safety is what you get from SUVs -- protection in a crash. Overall safety is the product of the two: accidents x protection. When you look at it this way, small, nimble cars are not more or less safe than big boats.

 

Dont get it. RED is bad. Risk is bad. MINI on the border of above average risk ... maybe 90 cars better ... not good.

 

I love to review lists, but I couldn't read most of the print in this one. It's not as easy as most, such as the "10 Worst Dressed at the Oscars" list. I'm encouraged that MINI has the same overall score as the 5000 pound VW Taureg and both outscored the well-built and popular Toyota Camry 4 door. Unfortunately none of them came close the Acura which I now know tol borrow when I need a battering ram.

 

Great article - thanks for the link! Long read but worth the time. I'll have to bookmark that one for future reference.