My Subaru Legacy Was in 6 Accidents, One Impact Sent Me Over a Curb With a V In The Center Of The Hood

How safe are Subaru vehicles? I will delve into another personal story of a Subaru model protecting the driver in a serious crash. This is Janet's story.

Does Subaru vehicle safety matter? 

Recently, I shared a story titled 'Dear Subaru, I Walked Away.' When a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek slid off the road, flipped three times, and hit a tree, the driver should have sustained life-threatening injuries. But she walked away instead. You can read my report on Kenzi's incredible survival story here. 

Janet says safety counts.

One of my readers, Janet, who has been a loyal Subaru owner since the 70s, left this comment on my Subaru safety story above. 

Janet commented: "I've been a Subaru owner since the late 70s. I've owned nearly every model from the first year the Legacy was produced to Outbacks and several Foresters. The Legacy I mentioned was in (6) accidents. None that were my fault." 

"One accident, I was hit by a car trying to cross traffic and hit me on the passenger side; the impact sent me over a curb and into the corner of a building. The people working inside ran out to see what shook the building to see my pretty red car with a "V" in the center of the hood from the building." 

"All that I had was a sore chest from the seat belt. Another situation was when I went off the road into a fence protecting the road. Unfortunately, when it was towed out, the undercarriage was damaged." 

The car was totaled. 

"It (my Subaru) was about eight years old and had some dings in it, but I was surprised that the insurance company gave me $13K to put towards a new car. I purchased another Forester and will continue to be a Subaru owner as long as I drive. I have also convinced friends to purchase Subarus just by slamming the door! Safety counts." 

What makes the Forester, Outback, Legacy, and other Subaru models safe?

If you are a regular reader of my Subaru reports, you know that Subaru makes safety its core value. They aim to have zero fatal accidents in their vehicles by the year 2030. That's an ambitious goal. 

My 2020 report said Subaru can achieve zero fatal traffic accidents by 2030 in the Forester compact SUV, Outback midsize SUV, Crosstrek subcompact SUV, Ascent 3-Row SUV, and other models. How will the automaker achieve the goal?

2016 was a pivotal year for Subaru

The big technological jump-started in 2016 when Subaru and IBM partnered on a data analytics system for testing images from the advanced safety system, including output from Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. The safety system is now standard equipment on every Subaru vehicle sold globally. 

It was Subaru's secret mission. 

Subaru reached its goal this year, which they've been silently striving for. The standard EyeSight on every Subaru vehicle achievement, which they never publicly announced, is a testament to their dedication.

It's a first for the automaker. 

I asked Subaru of America for a comment on the achievement. Subaru says, "Starting with the 2024 model year, all Subaru vehicles (this includes manual transmission) are equipped with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology." 

Subaru says, "While retaining its high performance in collision avoidance, collision damage mitigation, and reducing the driver's workload, the new EyeSight system is now combined with control tailored to manual transmission vehicles' driving and operating characteristics. This allows the system to operate in a wide range of real-world situations, providing a high level of driving enjoyment and peace of mind."

So, how good is EyeSight driver assist safety technology, and why do you need it?

The new generation EyeSight includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with a complete stop, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, rear vehicle detection, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

Now Bicycles And Pedestrians Are Safer

Because many accidents with bicycles and pedestrians occur around an intersection, the new vision sensor will help detect children and bicycles entering the road suddenly from the side and automatically apply the brakes.

The new safety technology uses Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system, which processes the recognized information and first alerts the driver. Then, it applies brakes to avoid collisions with crossing bicycles and pedestrians when necessary. In case of an accident, the system helps to mitigate the damage.

Subaru also wants every one of its vehicles to achieve the highest safety scores, and EyeSight is a crucial technology. Subaru has confirmed that it has developed the technology to make this happen. As a result, the entire Subaru lineup of cars and SUVs will earn the highest safety ratings, the automaker's primary goal.

Kenzi and Janet's stories are just two of many that reveal the safety tech on Subaru's vehicles that keep its occupants safe in the event of a severe crash. 

I recently sold a 2014 Subaru Outback because it did not have EyeSight driver assist technology. Read my story here. 

Do you have a Subaru story to tell? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru