Inside the Car Collision Test How Cars Are Tested for Safety

When it comes to choosing a vehicle, safety is one of the top priorities for most drivers and passengers. One of the most crucial factors that contribute to a car’s safety is its performance in car collision tests. These tests are specifically designed to evaluate how well a vehicle protects its occupants during various types of accidents. They have become a significant part of the car-buying process, with car collision tests often influencing purchasing decisions. But how exactly are cars tested for safety, and what do these tests reveal about a car’s ability to protect its occupants?

What is a Car Collision Test?

A car collision test is a series of controlled experiments in which a vehicle is subjected to different types of simulated crashes. The goal of these tests is to evaluate how well the car’s structure and safety features protect the occupants in the event of a real-world collision. Car manufacturers use the results of these tests to improve their vehicle designs, while consumers rely on crash test ratings to help them make informed decisions when buying a car.

There are various types of car collision tests, with the most common being frontal crash tests, side-impact tests, and rollover tests. Each of these crash scenarios is designed to mimic a different type of real-life collision, providing a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle’s safety performance.

The Different Types of Car Collision Tests

1. Frontal Crash Test
The frontal crash test is one of the most common and critical tests in a car collision test evaluation. In this test, the vehicle is driven into a stationary barrier at a speed of about 35 mph (56 km/h). This test is designed to simulate a head-on collision, one of the most dangerous types of crashes. During this test, the vehicle’s front end and occupant cabin are evaluated for structural integrity. The test measures the forces acting on the occupants, including the impact on the chest, head, and legs.

Frontal crash tests are typically divided into two categories: full-width frontal tests and offset frontal tests. In full-width frontal tests, the entire front of the vehicle is impacted, while in offset tests, only a portion of the front end is involved in the collision. The latter scenario is often more realistic, as it simulates situations where only part of the car strikes the object, such as in a crash with another vehicle or a fixed object.

2. Side-Impact Crash Test
The side-impact test evaluates how well the vehicle can protect its occupants during a side collision. In this test, a moving barrier, often designed to simulate another vehicle or an object like a pole, strikes the side of the vehicle at approximately 38.5 mph (62 km/h). The test focuses on the protection of the side occupants, especially the torso and head areas, which are particularly vulnerable in side-impact crashes.

Side-impact tests also assess the vehicle’s side airbags and side-impact protection systems. In the test, the vehicle is struck at various points along its side, including the door and window, to evaluate the effectiveness of the side structure in absorbing the impact. A car with strong side protection will prevent the intrusions into the passenger compartment, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.

3. Rollover Test
Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of crashes, as they can cause serious injuries or fatalities. In the car collision test, the rollover test simulates a situation where a vehicle tips over during a crash. The test evaluates the vehicle’s rollover resistance and the effectiveness of its roof strength in protecting passengers during a rollover.

The rollover test is performed by driving the vehicle on a specific incline to assess the likelihood of it flipping over during an accident. In addition to the vehicle’s stability, the test looks at the strength of the roof structure to prevent collapse, which could lead to serious injuries if the vehicle rolls over.

4. Rear-End Crash Test
While not as commonly discussed as frontal or side-impact tests, rear-end collisions are also an important part of car collision tests. In a rear-end crash test, the vehicle is struck from behind by a moving barrier. This type of collision is particularly dangerous when the car’s rear-end structure fails to absorb the impact properly, potentially causing whiplash injuries to the neck and spine. The rear-end test assesses the protection provided by the vehicle’s seatbacks, headrests, and other rear-end safety features.

How Are Car Collision Tests Conducted?

Car collision tests are usually conducted by independent organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States, as well as similar organizations worldwide. These organizations set strict protocols for how the tests are performed, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the results.

During each test, a set of crash test dummies is used to simulate human occupants. These dummies are equipped with sensors that measure the forces experienced by various parts of the body during the crash. The sensors record data related to head, neck, chest, and leg movements, as well as the forces exerted on the body. This information is vital in determining how well the vehicle protects its occupants and whether any part of the body is at risk of serious injury.

In addition to the dummies, high-speed cameras and crash test data collection equipment are used to capture the dynamics of the collision, providing a detailed analysis of the event. The data collected is then analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety features and structural design. Based on this data, crash test ratings are assigned.

Conclusion

Car collision tests are an essential part of modern vehicle safety. By simulating various types of crashes, these tests provide invaluable insights into how well a car will perform in a real-world accident. Whether it’s a frontal crash, side impact, rollover, or rear-end collision, each test gives a detailed look at how the vehicle’s design and safety features protect its occupants.

The results of these tests play a crucial role in influencing consumer decisions, helping buyers choose the safest cars on the market. Furthermore, they encourage automakers to continuously improve their vehicles’ safety features, making roads safer for everyone. When purchasing a new car, always consider the crash test ratings as part of your decision-making process to ensure that you and your loved ones are well-protected in the event of an accident.