Released annually, the Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) are compiled using the latest safety information, analysed by Monash University Accident Research Centre, to help the more than three million Australians that purchase used cars each year.
The UCSR, which are supported by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, lists 518 vehicle models by market segment, providing each with an Overall Safety star rating.
Safety ratings are calculated using analysis from over nine million vehicles and more than two million injured road users. Each vehicle model is categorised into a band from one to five stars.
Vehicles which reach a top level of safety across multiple categories are given a 'Safer Pick' marker.
The Overall Safety star rating applied to each vehicle considers three components of vehicle safety performance:
- Driver Safety Rating: How well the vehicle protects its driver from losing their life or being seriously injured in a crash.
- Other Road User Safety Rating: How well the vehicle protects other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists from losing their life or being seriously injured in a crash.
- Crash Avoidance Rating: The reduction in likelihood of being involved in a crash through key crash avoidance technologies being available in the vehicle.
Vehicles that receive a five star Overall Safety rating and the Safer Pick marker provide good protection for the driver, are less likely to kill or seriously injure other road users, and have a lower risk of being involved in a crash through key crash avoidance technologies.
As put by Andrea Michaels
Safety is the most important consideration when buying a car and these ratings make it easier for people to make an informed decision.
Three out of four vehicles purchased in Australia are used and the Malinauskas Government has empowered consumers by providing access to safety information for nearly 400 vehicles dating back to 2000.
I encourage anyone considering buying a used car to check the safety ratings before making a purchase because you can't put a price on your family's safety.
As put by Joe Szakacs
When buying a vehicle, safety should be the priority. The choice of vehicle you drive can have a big impact on your likelihood of having a crash, or being killed or seriously injured if you are involved in a crash.
The Used Car Safety Ratings are available for a range of vehicles and allow motorists to make safer, more informed decisions when purchasing a used vehicle.
An important action as part of the State Government's Road Safety Action Plan, is to get people into safer vehicles. These ratings will give people added confidence that the vehicle they choose to purchase provides the best possible safety outcomes for themselves, their families, and others on the road.
