Safety ratings are evaluations that assess how well a vehicle protects its occupants in the event of a crash. These ratings are typically provided by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They conduct various tests, including frontal and side-impact collisions, to determine how safe a vehicle is. The ratings are usually presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better safety performance. A vehicle may receive a star rating or a letter grade, helping consumers make informed decisions when purchasing a car. Understanding these ratings can enhance road safety for everyone.