Ford F-150: Overview
In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Ford's full size F-150 pickup truck received the watchdog group's lowest rating.
The Institute's so-called "offset test" measures a vehicle's integrity by sending it into a deformable barrier at 40 mph. However, unlike crash tests performed by the Federal government, the Institute's offset test only involves 40% of the front of the subject vehicle. In other words, vehicles subjected to the offset test collide with the barrier just to the left of the hood ornament. Offset tests are useful in evaluating the structural integrity of vehicles.
According to the Ford web site "Truck-lovers know the strength of a 'Built Ford Tough' Truck." However, the Institute's test appears to contradict the toughness of the Ford F-150. According to Institute president Brian O'Neill, the F-150 "exhibited major collapse of the occupant compartment in the offset test. . . . As a result of this collapse, the dummy's movement wasn't well controlled. High injury measures were recorded on the dummy's head and neck. The airbag deployed late in the crash, and this also contributed to the high injury measures." O'Neill went on to say that had the simulated crash of the F-150 been real, it would have likely resulted in a fatality. "This is as bad as it gets in terms of crash performance," O'Neill commented. When asked what he would do if he owned a Ford F-150 O'Neill replied, "I'd get rid of it, . . . I wouldn't put my family, my wife or myself in a vehicle like this."
If you have been seriously injured in a Ford F-150, or any other vehicle, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
More ...
- Parking Brakes on Ford Trucks Fail
- Ford Explorer Rollover Lawsuit Settles for $22 Million
- Families Awarded $22 Million in Ford Explorer Lawsuit
.