Nearly three times the number of new models earned the insurance industry's highest award for safety than last year, primarily because automakers are equipping more cars and trucks with electronic stability control.

The technology senses when a car is losing traction and in danger of skidding off the road. It applies the brakes (some systems also use power) to individual wheels to keep the vehicle under control.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety requires the safety feature to qualify for its award and new government safety standards will require it on all 2012 models.

Here are the 34 vehicles the insurance industry deems the safest among 2008 models:

Compact cars: Subaru Impreza*

Large cars: Audi A6, Ford Taurus*, Mercury Sable*, Volvo S80

Midsize cars: Audi A3, Audi A4, Honda Accord, Saab 9-3, Subaru Legacy*

Midsize convertibles: Saab 9-3, Volvo C70

Minivans: Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona

Midsize SUVs and Crossovers: Acura MDX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, BMW X5, Ford Edge, Taurus X, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes M class, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90

Small SUVs: Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Subaru Forester*

Large pickups: Toyota Tundra

If you're in the market, click here for our recommendations on the best new cars and trucks for 2008.

*with optional electronic stability control