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Top Picks For 2017's Safest Cars On The Road

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A new factor was thrown into the mix this year as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety whittled down their list of the safest cars on the road.

In the past, the group has based their ratings on the results on braking ability along with front and side crash tests. This year they added that better headlights were needed to make the list.

"We've raised the bar for auto manufacturers. You have to have headlamps that do a good job or an acceptable job of lighting up the road ahead of you at night," said IIHS President Adrian Lund.

Lund added that better headlights can help drivers avoid a crash.

Of the 200 vehicles tested, only 38 received the top honor of "Safety Pick Plus." Toyota/Lexus had the most models, followed by Honda and its Acura division.

Here's The List

Lund said another rather recent development that has made cars safer is automatic emergency braking which is now standard on more than 20 models.

Motor Trend's Chris Clonts said two years ago when the IIHS made auto braking part of their safety criteria, car companies quickly added it. He believes they will do the same with improved headlights.

"When consumers are asked they say safety is one of their top priorities," said Clonts.

Most automakers have agreed to make automatic emergency braking standard by 2022.

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