Not All Big Pick-Ups Are Safe

Just a few months ago (in July 2008) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was testing small pick-up trucks. Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota/Mitsubishi Raider, Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series and Nissan Frontier showed negative results. The most upsetting news was about side crash impact. None of them could give enough protection to a driver if the truck got hit on the side.

This month IIHS was holding tests on big pick-ups. The safety provided by Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan was rated as “wimpy, at best”.

The tests were checking the level of protection the trucks provide in case of being hit on the side with an SUV or a pick-up.

Dodge has side airbags as a standard feature which helped it to receive “marginal” rating. Nissan and Chevrolet offer them as an option. The tests were held on basic models and both of the pick-ups received “poor” mark. After the airbags were added the rating on the Silverado did not improve while Titan got “marginal”.

If a person wants to feel safe in a pick-up, they should think of Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra or Honda Ridgeline. IIHS rated them as Top Safety Pick. The three trucks have standard air-bags that provide safety for both head and torso, and strong side structure.