lyerby (Re: smart safety)

[lyerby]

My husband tells me whenever he mentions to a colleague that his wife is getting a Smart car they tell him I'm crazy for getting one -- that they are unsafe, especially if rear-ended.

Anyone want to provide some feedback on the safety of a Smart - especially rear-end?

[dademoss]

The smart :

IIHS-HLDI: Microcars - Current Models

for comparision, other small cars:

IIHS-HLDI: Minicars - Current Models

All in all, I would much rather be in a smart than a PT cruiser:

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=40

[Macaw]

also see this thread:
Is it safe?...the definitive answer!

[gniwok]

Yeah, get used to those questions! This car gets AMAZING attention! Everywhere I go, I get 'em! Every time I stop, folks come from all directions!

I could be stopped at a traffic light with no one in sight, and at least ten people will suddenly appear, dodge traffic running across the street and start asking me questions! Is it safe? How much MPG? Is there legroom? Etc, etc, etc... I grabbed a stack of brochures from my dealer and keep 'em in the door pocket just for those occasions!

~Jas...

[rfernatt]

This a first generation smart that fared well in a rear AND front end collision at the same time. The second generation 451 available in the US should be even better.

Accidents: Smart ForTwo Punted By Delivery Truck, Returned By Van

The IIHS and NHTSA results and insurance premiums (IMO) speak well for the car as well. My insurance went down $300 per year vs a 2007 Honda Civic Coupe.

No, it's not as safe as Bradley armored vehicle, Greyhound bus, Boeing 747, Hummer H1, or a plethora of other enormous vehicles, but I'm not playing one-upmanship with my ride is bigger than yours. The smart is very safe for its size, but good people die daily in vehicles of all shapes and sizes, so you have to drive accordingly regardless of your vehicle.