Toyota wins most honors at safety pick award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent, nonprofit, research and communications organization in the United States, revealed in December that 15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles had earned the annual Top Safety Pick awards for their 2012 line-up of vehicles. Results showed that Toyota had won more of the awards than any other automaker.

The awards are based on comprehensive analysis of a number of factors that contribute to the safety of vehicle passengers. The survey focuses on four areas; frontal offset, side impact, rear crash (seat-based), and roof strength. The Toyota Tundra proved particularly durable in the final category, proving that it was able to protect its passengers from a force four times its own weight.

While the Toyota Prius V does not have the rugged appearance of a pick-up truck, this small, fuel-economic hybrid passed all of safety categories with high ratings. The 2012 Toyota Camry also made news when the best-selling model received its first Top Safety Pick accolade in the midsize car category.

According to IIHS, 97 models that received the distinction last year were able to maintain their title in 2012, with 18 new Top Safety Pick award winners added to the list in 2012.