CrashTests

Crashtests are controlled experiments conducted to assess the safety performance of vehicles during collisions. Performed in laboratories or dedicated crash facilities, these tests simulate real-world crashes using instrumentation, crash dummies, and standardized impact environments to quantify potential injuries for occupants and other road users.

Test setups use anthropomorphic test devices, or dummies, representing occupants of different sizes and ages. Dummies are equipped with sensors that measure forces on the head, chest, and limbs. Engineers analyze indicators such as the head injury criterion (HIC), chest acceleration, and neck loads, alongside restraint performance (seat belts and airbags), to estimate injury risk and evaluate how well a vehicle protects occupants under specific crash conditions.

Common crash scenarios include frontal, side, rear, rollover, and pedestrian impact tests. Frontal tests typically involve a moving barrier at speeds around 64 km/h (40 mph) for full-width evaluations, or offset tests to reflect real-world overlap. Side impact tests use barriers or deformable panels at similar or lower speeds. Rollover assessments check roof integrity and restraint performance, while pedestrian tests simulate collisions with pedestrians to gauge leg and torso injury risk.

Many national and regional programs publish safety ratings based on test results. Notable examples include Euro NCAP, the United States’ NHTSA, IIHS, and ANCAP. Each program operates its own procedures and scales, but all share the purpose of informing consumers and driving manufacturers to improve vehicle safety through standardized testing and publicly reported scores.

Limitations exist, including differences between laboratory tests and real crashes, market-specific vehicle designs, and the evolving role of advanced driver assistance and autonomous technologies in changing crash dynamics.