A new Institute for Highway Safety study released this week confirmed what we all already know: crash tests have helped make vehicles safer.
The chances of dying in a crash in a late-model vehicle in 2011 dropped by 41 percent according to the report, compared to vehicles released back in 2008, according to the report.
"This is a huge improvement in just three years, even considering the economy's influence," says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer. "We know from our vehicle ratings program that crash test performance has been getting steadily better. These latest death rates provide new confirmation that real world outcomes are improving, too."
About eight years ago, no vehicle had zero driver deaths. The study showed that nine different 2011 vehicle have not had a single fatality thanks to enhanced safety features released so vehicles could pass crash tests.
Six of those vehicles are SUVs, according the report. One of the biggest improvements made to SUVs is electronic stability control, which automatically applies brakes to specific wheels if it senses that the vehicle is going to start spinning out of the control of the driver.
"We've seen a lot of stories about recalls and people may be nervous about the vehicles, but the fact is vehicles are as safe as they have ever been," said IIHS President Adrian Lund, according to CBS News.
Lund added that other safety changes, like stronger structural designs and increased use of airbags, have saved lives all over the country.
The report also revealed the vehicles with the highest and lowest rates of driver deaths. View the list below.
Click here to see the complete report.
"The complete elimination of traffic deaths is still many decades away, and, along with vehicle improvements, getting there will require changes in road design and public policy that can help protect all road users," said Zuby according to the report. "Still, the rise in the number of vehicles with zero driver deaths shows what's possible."
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