A guide to car crash tests

Vehicle safety is of paramount importance when you are purchasing or driving a car. Finding results on car crash tests is one way of assuring that a car is safe to be driven or if it is sturdy enough to withstand dangerous situations. Learn what factors to look for when evaluating the performance of a car that has gone through crash tests.

All about car crash tests

Auto testing is usually performed by car manufacturers before it is released on a commercial scale. Numerous car tests are performed not only to determine the road performance of the vehicle, such as speed, cornering, braking and all those technical stuff that makes a car run efficiently and effectively. Cars crashing are deliberately done to subject them to rollovers, spinnings, and pole tests. The impact of these exercises on dummy drivers and passengers will show the safety and level of protection. Car ratings are issued by independent bodies who do their own crash test assessment for all types of cars, such as SUVs, small, medium, compact, large and luxury vehicles. In Europe, cars are rated by the European New Cars Assessment Programme. A NCAP rating therefore, is a valuable indicator for motorists, potential buyers and the automotive industry in general, to know whether the car is road worthy. Calls for action, such as whiplash reduction by fitting sturdier head restraints are published on its site for car manufacturers. Other organisations that conduct car safety tests are the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute. Both aim to reduce accidents and mortality on roads through sharing data and information campaigns to make roads safer.

Guide for crash test results

The main purpose of car crash tests is to rate the safety of cars by using major points such as: - Driver or adult protection - Child safety - Pedestrian protection These are three major considerations when purchasing a car. Recently, a whiplash test from rear impact is also included in the test. Safety equipment and features are also awarded points, such as front-belt pretensioners and loaders, frontal airbags for driver and passenger, side body and head airbags, driver knee airbags, seatbelt reminders, speed limitations and booster and infant seat. Scores are generated with ratings categorised as good, adequate, marginal, weak or poor. An overall score is given in points and a corresponding percentage with 100% as the maximum. At any rate, the safest car does not automatically give you blanket protection from crashes and mishaps. Of course, it helps that you are driving a vehicle that has undergone rigorous vehicle testing. It is no substitute, however, for optimum vigilance and safety precautions on the road.