Consumer survey about vehicle choice

McCartt, Anne T. / Wells, JoAnn K.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
June 2010

Abstract
Objective: A national survey of drivers was conducted to identify the important factors in selecting a vehicle and to assess the level of awareness of vehicle crash tests and vehicle safety ratings.
Methods: A total of 928 drivers were interviewed in February 2010 as part of a national omnibus survey of the US adult population.
Results: Based on ratings of the importance of specific factors, safety was the second most important factor in selecting a vehicle, after quality/reliability. Eighty-six percent of respondents said safety is a very important consideration. More than three-quarters of respondents said they have seen vehicle safety ratings or information about vehicle crash tests; 67 percent of these respondents said such information would be useful in purchasing a vehicle or considering what vehicle to own. About 30 percent of respondents could name an organization that provides ratings. Fourteen percent could name the safety rating of their present vehicle. Seventy-two percent of respondents said their driving skills were better than average, and 27 percent said their skills were average.
Conclusion: Safety is a high priority for most consumers in selecting a vehicle, and important sources of information on the relative safety of vehicles are vehicle safety ratings and performance in vehicle crash tests.
Abstract Objective: A national survey of drivers was conducted to identify the important factors in selecting a vehicle and to assess the level of awareness of vehicle crash tests and vehicle safety ratings.
Methods: A total of 928 drivers were interviewed in February 2010 as part of a national omnibus survey of the US adult population.
Results: Based on ratings of the importance of specific factors, safety was the second most important factor in selecting a vehicle, after quality/reliability. Eighty-six percent of respondents said safety is a very important consideration. More than three-quarters of respondents said they have seen vehicle safety ratings or information about vehicle crash tests; 67 percent of these respondents said such information would be useful in purchasing a vehicle or considering what vehicle to own. About 30 percent of respondents could name an organization that provides ratings. Fourteen percent could name the safety rating of their present vehicle. Seventy-two percent of respondents said their driving skills were better than average, and 27 percent said their skills were average.
Conclusion: Safety is a high priority for most consumers in selecting a vehicle, and important sources of information on the relative safety of vehicles are vehicle safety ratings and performance in vehicle crash tests.