NHSTA details - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

HotCookCpl · 02-05-2008, 09:08 AM

Does anyone know what the breakdown looks like for the NHSTA safety results? I've heard the Smart has a four star rating, but how does that break down for front driver & passenger, side front and rollover?

I'm putting together a spread sheet to compare the Smart to other vehicles that I might consider. Really, I'm just trying to justify the Smart to myself to make sure I'm making, at least, a reasonable decision in buying a Smart.

Thanks.

spdickey · 02-05-2008, 09:22 AM

NHSTA has not yet crashed a smart in their tests. The four star you heard is from the European crash tests. And yes, the smart is a reasonably safe car to drive (and fun, too)!

stevenvillatoro · 02-05-2008, 10:33 AM

There's 50 percent less car to hit, which makes it twice as safe in accident avoidance. OK, maybe not twice, but gotta factor that into the equation. Or, if all else fails, adopt a philosophy of destiny, karma, etc., and just relax and have fun with your new smart. Oh, and wear extra padding and a mouth-guard. And don't carry pencils in your pocket while driving.

jonnysan · 02-05-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

There's 50 percent less car to hit, which makes it twice as safe in accident avoidance. OK, maybe not twice, but gotta factor that into the equation. Or, if all else fails, adopt a philosophy of destiny, karma, etc., and just relax and have fun with your new smart. Oh, and wear extra padding and a mouth-guard. And don't carry pencils in your pocket while driving.

No guarantees in life for sure.....in any way shape or form.....

HotCookCpl · 02-06-2008, 06:30 AM

I understand that the NHSTA doesn't actually do testing, the manufacturers test their own vehicles. But, I thought I saw a thread in this forum referencing the rear seat star rating. I'm assuming the information must be available somewhere, I just can't find it. If anyone's got the data I'd like to add it to my spread sheet. Thanks.

**jwight** · 02-06-2008, 09:06 AM

Not sure what that rating would be as the smart does not have rear seats.

HotCookCpl · 02-06-2008, 09:10 AM

Sorry. I wasn't clear in my last post. I remember seeing a post where someone was commenting on how crazy the safety rating for rear seats was because the Smart doesn't have rear seats. If someone has see those details I'd like to see them posted. Thanks.

**jwight** · 02-06-2008, 09:23 AM

Here's a link to the safety star ratings, including side impact ratings for the rear seats. Hope this helps.

http://www.safercar.gov/Index2.cfm?#5star

strider63 · 02-06-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

There's 50 percent less car to hit, which makes it twice as safe in accident avoidance. OK, maybe not twice, but gotta factor that into the equation. Or, if all else fails, adopt a philosophy of destiny, karma, etc., and just relax and have fun with your new smart. Oh, and wear extra padding and a mouth-guard. And don't carry pencils in your pocket while driving.

What no helmet?