Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum Are IIHS Top Safety Picks

Chrysler's 2011 models are being rolled out, to generally very positive reviews. One thing is clear is that the company really stepped up its game in refinement and design. But what about other key areas, like safety?

They have been improved as well. New testing results for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger have been released, and they have scored "Top Safety Picks."

This is a huge improvement over the previous models, which when equipped with side impact airbags, garnered the second-lowest rating available.

The cars were tested under more stringent test standards than the federal government - these tests require a car to withstand 5.37 times its weight. This is in the interest of rollover protection. The two LX cars aced these tests.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's tests are far more intensive than the federal government's tests. The IIHS is a non-profit organization funded by automotive insurers.

The goal? To save lives and reduce costs, of course. Car insurance discounts can be obtained when selecting vehicles that are safer, or less likely to be stolen. It is in the interests of insurance companies and manufacturers to work together on this.

All State's Auto Insurance Programs can even offer rebates for a safe driving record. There isn't really a list of IIHS sponsors, so it is always good to compare auto insurance. You can check out the IIHS' press release after the image below,

2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 earn TOP SAFETY PICK award

The redesigned Dodge Charger and twin Chrysler 300 earn the Institute's top safety accolade for the first time after achieving good ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection. The TOP SAFETY PICK designation recognizes the vehicles that afford the best overall crash protection. In addition to good crash test ratings, winners must have electronic stability control (ESC), an important crash-avoidance feature, which is standard on the Charger and 300.

Chrysler significantly improved the safety performance of these vehicles for 2011. The previous generation Charger and 300 earned the second lowest rating of marginal for side impact protection, even when equipped with head-protecting side curtain airbags. The previous cars were also rated marginal for rear impact protection. This is the first time that these cars have been rated in the Institute's roof strength test for rollover protection. The roof of the Charger withstood a force equal to 5.37 times the car's weight. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight. ESC, which was optional on the previous generation models, is now standard.

The new ratings bring to 7 the number of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models earning the Institute's highest safety designation.