There is nothing quite like buying a new car and driving it off the lot. Even the purchase of a car that is not “new” but simply “new to you” can be thrilling. But what is it about that new car that makes drivers so happy? Is it the color of the car? Is it the horsepower? Or is it the entertainment package? Well, according to J.D. Power, it could be the modern safety technologies available in vehicles today.

For twenty years now, the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study has been evaluating the emotional reward factor of owning and driving particular new car models. The study also ranks new car allure by brand. So which cars make people happiest? For the past eleven consecutive years, Porsche has eclipsed other luxury brands. Falling in behind Porsche, are Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Domestic luxury icons, Lincoln and Cadillac, placed seventh and eighth on the list.

Porsche had three winning models- Cayenne, Cayman, and Macan, as did Chevrolet with the Sonic, Corvette, and Colorado pickup, and Ford with their C-Max, Expedition, and F-150 pickup. The best-ranking small SUV was the Mini Cooper Countryman.

Polling 84,000 drivers who had recently purchased or leased a new car, the APEAL study determined that possessing the latest safety features can significantly increase people’s pleasure with their vehicle. Among the highly-desirable safety features were collision avoidance, backup warning, and parking assist. Drivers who possessed blind-spot monitoring and warning systems on their vehicles scored 38 points higher than those who did not.

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Additionally, the study indicated that car-owners are using these new safety features on a regular basis, which contributes to the favorable feelings drivers have about the overall safety of their vehicles. The study also concluded:

• Sixty-nine percent of car owners who have blind-spot warning systems use the feature every time they operate their vehicle. The figure was 62 percent for parking assist.
• Car-buyers are willing to pay extra for safety features- as much as $750 for blind-spot warning.
• The discrepancy between non-premium auto brands and luxury vehicles was the smallest it has been in 10 years. Out of a possible 1,000 points, mainstream vehicles had an average APEAL score of 790, compared with 841 for luxury brands.

The past few years have witnessed mainstream auto brands offering more kinds of safety technology features previously available only on luxury cars.

However, the only two Detroit-based companies that ranked in the top 15, were Lincoln and Cadillac. Scoring above average among all brands were Buick, Ford, GMC, and Ram, while Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep ranked below average.

Safety Features Save Lives Not Just Increase Happiness

Purchasing a vehicle with additional safety features isn’t just a recipe for happiness – it is also one way you can increase your odds of surviving a serious car accident. Backup cameras, anti-lock brakes, crash avoidance systems, and airbags have been known to significantly reduce serious and fatal injuries in accidents. In some cases, they can even prevent an accident from occurring. In fact, today’s automotive safety features are not just about surviving an accident – they’re about avoiding one all together.

In recent years, there has been a rapid shift towards active safety technology in cars and trucks. Crash avoidance systems are now available in mid-priced vehicles across the line and can slow a vehicle down if it senses a car or pedestrian in the path.

Backup cameras are another feature that is becoming increasingly common in mid-priced cars. In fact, backup cameras are already available in over 77% of all model vehicles and will be a required safety feature on all new vehicles in a few years. Backup cameras allow drivers to see what is behind them – thus avoiding running over small children, pets, and other objects.

Contact Our Broomfield Car Accident Lawyers

Unfortunately, even with the best safety features, accidents can still occur. When they do, it is important to review all of your legal options with an experienced Broomfield car accident attorney. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.