2008 Top Safety Picks Vehicles

"Thirty-four vehicles earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award for 2008. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute's tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing....." From the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety

11 NEW WINNERS FOR 2008

Midsize cars
Audi A3 Honda Accord

Small car
Subaru Impreza equipped with optional electronic stability control
MinivanHonda Odyssey

Midsize SUVs
BMW X3BMW X5
Hyundai Veracruz built after August 2007Saturn VUE built after December 2007Toyota Highlander
Small SUVHonda Element
Large pickupToyota Tundra

Ford Motor Developing Child Crash Test Dummies

Ford Motor Developing Child Crash Test Dummies:
"A high-tech insert, similar in size and shape to a 6-year-old's abdomen, is being developed for crash test dummies to help improve vehicle safety for children.
The prototype is part of an effort to make pediatric crash dummies and crash tests more real world, leading to better vehicle restraints, according to a Ford Motor Co. release.

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The Dearborn-based automaker is developing the prototype. Partners in the collaboration include Wayne State University in Detroit, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Takata Corp., which makes automotive safety systems....." Insurance Journal