In new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests for small sport utility vehicles, the Jeep Patriot received one of the top scores. The testing was specifically focused on roof strength, in the event of a rollover.  These tests for the IIHS are new, and are in a response to a rise in rollover injuries and fatalities; the tests apply to 2009 model year vehicles. More than 10,000 people a year are killed in rollover crashes in the United States and the government has been considering tougher roof requirements for several years. However, the standards have not been significantly changed since 1973.

The institute, based in Arlington, Va., released its first results of new tests on vehicle roof strength.  Modern vehicles only need to withstand direct pressure of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle. The rules only apply to vehicles of 6,000 pounds or less, excluding many SUVs and pickup trucks. Under the institute’s criteria, a vehicle roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle’s weight to receive the top score. For the second-highest rating, a roof must withstand a force of 3.25 times the vehicle weight.

While models such as the Liberty and Chevy Equinox performed well, many small SUV models received ‘poor’ ratings.  While a new federal standard has been in the works for years, nothing has been made official.  Automakers have improved overall SUV safety with new technologies, such as electronic stability control, which is specifically targeted to prevent rollovers.  In the meantime, for those shopping for an SUV, it may be worth considering the latest crash test results and the available safety technologies in the model.