2020 Ram 1500 is First Pickup to Receive Huge Safety Award

The 2020 Ram 1500 is the first large pickup in history to win the title of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Ram 1500 has already won a boatload of awards but the Top Safety Pick+ is big because it is the first pickup to win it and it is the highest rating the IIHS gives.

The 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab and 2019 Crew Cab models equipped with adaptive LED projector headlamps that have high-beam assist were selected for the award. The trucks received the highest possible ratings in six different crash tests. The 2020 Ram 1500’s Automatic Emergency Braking technology was also rated superior in the Insurance Institute’s testing.

“This recognition validates our unrelenting efforts to deliver more value for our customers,” says Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “The new Ram 1500 has earned many accolades for its capability and design. It is immensely satisfying to have the IIHS recognize our truck for its compelling safety story.” In fact, take a look at my June 2019 story in which I discussed the safety features that Torque News expected to see on the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.

2020 Ram 1500 Did Well in Institute’s Crash Tests

Ram credits its splayed front frame-rails for its performance in the simulated crash tests. The splayed rails allow the truck’s frame to better handle the energy from a crash.

According to Ram, the 2020 Ram 1500 received “good” results in each of the three frontal crash tests. Good is considered the highest possible rating. The 2020 Ram 1500 did equally well in the side impact, rear impact and rollover simulated tests.

Forward Collision Mitigation Rated Superior

The 2020 Ram 1500’s Forward Collision Mitigation System earned a “superior” rating from the IIHS. Ram uses an Integrated Radar Camera Module positioned behind the rearview mirror to monitor the distances in front of the vehicle to help avoid accidents. The optional feature blends camera views with radar detection to determine if an impact is imminent. The system first warns the driver to avoid an accident, if the driver doesn’t respond, the system may activate the brakes to slow or stop the truck.

New Headlights Helped 2020 Ram 1500 Win Award

The 2020 Ram 1500’s new adaptive LED projector headlights with high-beam assist also played a big role in the truck’s safety award. Ram started installing the new headlights in May of 2019 and they received the IIHS highest rating of “good”. Vehicles must receive a “good” headlight rating to be considered for the Top Safety Pick+.

The new safety rating may help sway buyers who are deciding between the major truck brands. The Ram 1500 has already won a number of awards including Motor Trend Truck of the Year, and Wards 10 Best Engines. It also received awards for Best Interiors as well as a number of Regional Awards. Speaking of best engines, here are 3 reasons why Ram is expected to lead in the diesel segment.

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Mary Conway covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin. Follow Mary on Twitter at @maryconwaymedia.