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Convertibles have a unique appeal them. There are some consumers out there who won't settle for anything less than driving behind the wheel of a convertible. The biggest challenge that the auto industry has had over the years, is making a convertible safe to drive. Rollover accidents have always been a concern for the car, while manufacturers have taken steps to improve the performance of convertibles by using innovated design features, stronger materials and adding safety features found in hardtops.
Here are some of the important features found in the safer convertibles:
- In a hardtop car design, the roof plays an important part in a collision by preventing the body of the car from twisting or flexing; in convertibles the body and floor are specially
designed to absorb collision shock.
- They are now being designed with a strong A-pillar that surrounds the windshield and it's designed as a roll bar to protect the front occupants.
- They have a reinforced body especially the floor, which makes the car heavier and the body is stiffer. It's easier to handle and it also reduces rattles and squeaks.
- There is a pop-up rear roll bar on some models that protects both the front and back seat occupants.
- Antilock brakes, traction control, adaptive headlights, and stability control are all important safety features and usually come on all models.
- Front and side crash test are performed by the National Highway Safety Administration.
The first convertible to ever receive a five star rating by the National Highway Safety Administration was the 2008 Ford Mustang. It got five stars in every category including front-impact driver safety, side-impact driver safety, side impact driver safety, side-impact rear passenger safety, and low likelihood of a rollover.
Here is a list of the 2008 safest convertibles, which offer some of the greatest options a car can offer.
The Lexus SC convertible
-Has front and side airbags, runs on flat tires, has a theft deterrent system, antilock brakes, three point seat belt restraints, side impact door beams and tire pressure sensors.
The Saab 9-3 convertible
-Has sharp handling, a 210 horsepower engine, great seats, and a large turning radius.
The Volvo C70 convertible
-Is spacious, has an elegant interior and a retractable hardtop, along with other safety features.
The Ford Mustang convertible
-Has a unique style to it that is fresh with the interior holding great eye appeal.
The Chrysler Sebring
-Has a competitive price, a beautiful design, a retractable hardtop or a traditional cloth top.
When owning a convertible, your driving days do get a lot brighter.
