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Summer's Here...Are Convertibles Safe?

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Are Convertibles Safe?

When the weather warms up you can bet you'll see more convertibles on the road.

Our office is in the southeastern U.S. which means people start putting the tops down around April...and that raises the question, are convertibles safe? Whether you're thinking of trading in your car for something more sporty or your kids have a friend with a canvas top covertible, you should know a few things about the overall safety of these kinds of cars.

First and foremost, safety. Even the NHTSA says convertibles are "likely to be less crashworthy than the same model with a hard top." It just makes good sense. Even with roll bars, canvas-covered vehicles provide less protection in the event of a rollover or a high-speed crash. You and your family members are far more likely to be thrown from a convertible than a conventional car.

tips from georgia driving schoolThe good news is, rollover crashes involving passenger vehicles are actually a lot less likely than you might think. And not only that, many convertible makers have installed all kinds of safety features (such as impact steel bars) that help keep the cars upright and, worst case scenario, fortified.

A common safety problem among convertible owners is actually the prevalance of blind spots in these types of cars. Because the back window panels are shaped differently than traditional vehicles to allow the top to roll back, convertible owners often report having a harder time using rear and side mirrors effectively. Of course, lots practice and even a defensive driving course at a local driving school might help you feel more comfortable behind the wheel, too.

So, should you be worried about safety in a convertible? Probably not. You should always be as careful as possible on the roads, of course, and in the summer months particularly. They're not called the "100 Deadliest Days" for nothing! 

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