There are a lot of cars with five star safety ratings under the Used Car Safety Rating, which was developed by the Australian Government. Over 5.5 million crashes reported to the police in Australia and New Zealand were used in formulating these ratings. That makes them different from new car ratings because actual road accidents were used in formulating them.
Here are five cars built between 2005 and 2009 that are not recommended under any circumstances.
Toyota Echo…2005-2009
Toyota has a great reputation for safe cars in general, but the Echo has been determined to be the most unsafe car on Australian roads. It gets a one-star USCR rating because it is missing many of the safety features we take for granted, such as curtain airbags, front passenger airbags(optional), anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and foglamps.
It was rated “excellent” for protecting “other road users,” though.
Hyundai Getz…2002-2011
The Getz also “getz” a one-star USCR rating. It has no automatic braking system, no stability control and no traction control. It has front airbags but no curtain airbags. It got a “marginal” rating for protecting other road users, meaning that it comes with increased liability.
Daihatsu Charade…2003-2005
The Charade is the only other car to only get a one-star USCR rating. Not only does it not have electronic stability control, automatic braking system or curtain airbags, it also doesn’t have three-point safety belts in the rear seats.
Suzuki Swift…2005-2010
The Swift gets two stars from USCR, but it is still an unsafe vehicle. It has the safety features that the cars above lack, but it just doesn’t fare very well in crashes.
Mazda2…2002-2007
The Mazda2 also gets two stars. Like the Swift, it has plenty of extras but doesn’t perform well in accidents.
Know Your Rights
Though motor vehicle accidents in Perth and across WA go in front of the Insurance Commission of WA, you can also bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer if your injuries were caused, fully or in part, by an unsafe vehicle.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, make sure you get any compensation you have coming to you. If you were injured due to an unsafe vehicle, it is worth finding out if you can sue the manufacturer. Call us today for more information: 1300 738 303.
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