"If you drive a pick-up truck and have trouble seeing at night, it may not be your eyes. The headlights on most popular trucks aren't lighting up the road as well as they should," according to IIHS expert.
The 2017 Ford F-150 is believed to be the leader in the truck segment. It even got an award last month for being the "Best Truck of the Year" from Texas to validate this.
However, a test result would mean the best may not necessarily mean the safest. According to the representative who conducted the test, "[The 2017 Ford F-150] the best-selling truck was one of the worst performers."
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety studied more than ten types of pick-up models. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was the sole passer, with a rating of "good." Ford is cognizant that it failed IIHS's recent test. The US carmaker is quick to point out, though, that their F-150 got a 5-star rating for overall safety, according to ABC News.
IIHS rest focused on vehicle headlights. Other than trucks, their test involved mid-size cars and small compact vehicles this year. One of IIHS senior research expert's disclosed the result were not very satisfactory. He stressed however that the result has been consistent based on numerous tests conducted.
Headlight Test Details
The study involved the light's beam projection towards the vehicle's view of its path. It also involved on how it projected towards upcoming beams and curves. The test included 23 headlight combinations. Which included LEDs, halogen lights, and reflectors. The test also took into account the high-beam assist featured by most vehicles.
The test may have come out as unsatisfactory. But, it doesn't mean there is any more room for improvement. The LED low-beam on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline allow the driver to see three times as far compared to the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado.
Possible Recall?
No announcement for a recall has been mad, for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, F-150 and the other trucks. Ford, however, had a mass recall which involved the 2017 Ford F-150. This was due to its faulty brake master cylinders.
Not to dampen the reputation of these trucks, the results were a wake-up call for improvement. There is still time to tweak upcoming editions to make it safer for all.
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