Crash Testing Sites and Rollover Test

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Crash Testing Sites

Hey all,

Here are the three crash testing sites:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

European New Car Assessment Programme (ENCAP)

ENCAP is most similar to the American IIHS testing. Both use off-set frontal crash testing. ENCAP also does side-crash testing (similar to NHTSA). ENCAP goes further by performing "Pedestrian Testing"--which tests pedestrian protection in a car-pedestrian crash.

In general, NHTSA test results reflect seatbelt and airbag effectiveness. IIHS test results reflect car structural integrity. Thus, some cars have very opposing results from these two testing centers (ex: Ford F150). When shopping for a safe car, you need to COMBINE these two results because both reflect differing aspects of automotive safety.

 

[Thai]

Here is the link to crash test results of all SUVs (by order of ratings):

SUV Crash Test Results

Enjoy.

 

[Thai]

Here is a thread about the new IIHS side crash tests:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=569

 

[Thai]

Government Rolls Out New Rollover Test

Government Rolls Out New Rollover Test
By Dee-Ann Durbin
Associated Press

WASHINGTON

 

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PART I

Road Test Beefs Up Rollover Ratings
By Jeff Plungis
Detroit News

EAST LIBERTY, Ohio

 

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PART II

Improved stability
During the demonstration Tuesday, NHTSA used two vehicles to contrast their design characteristics. The 2000 Toyota 4Runner had two wheels lift a foot off the ground during an initial test run at 35 mph.

In another test, the redesigned 2003 4Runner fared better. With a wider track width and a longer wheel base, the 2003 model features a modified suspension and electronic stability control. The 2003 4Runner completed five runs at speeds ranging from 35 mph to 50 mph without any wheel lift.

The auto industry had been critical of NHTSA

 

[Thai]

Federal Government Adopts 50-mph Rear Crash Test
Posted 11/26/03 9:30 a.m. CST

By Dee-Ann Durbin
Associated Press

WASHINGTON

 

[Thai]

IIHS Crash Test of 4th gen 4runners

Link:

IIHS Frontal Crash Test of 4th gen 4runner & GX470

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the 4Runner in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier. Head restraint and bumper designs are evaluated separately.

OVERALL EVALUATION: GOOD The driver space was maintained well in the frontal offset crash test, and measures indicate that significant injury was unlikely. Advanced front airbag and safety belt systems, side airbags with head protection, daytime running lights (optional), and a stability control system are pluses.

STRUCTURE/SAFETY CAGE: GOOD There was minimal intrusion into the driver footwell area and minimal rearward movement of the instrument panel.

RESTRAINTS/DUMMY KINEMATICS: GOOD Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head contacted the B-pillar.

INJURY MEASURES: GOOD Measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions. Head acceleration from the B-pillar contact was low.

SPECIAL SAFETY FEATURES:

Frontal airbags: designed to deploy at one of two force levels (one of three force levels for driver airbag), depending on crash severity, driver belt use, and driver seat adjustment

Side airbags: for drivers' and front passengers' chests; separate side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants' heads

Safety belts: crash tensioners designed to prevent slack in front belts from allowing excessive forward movement in a crash; devices on front belts designed to limit belt forces on occupants

Electronic stability control system designed to minimize the possibility of sideways skidding

Antilock brakes

Daytime running lights (optional)

 

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Link:

IIHS Crash Test Summary of Midsize SUVs--4runner is #1!

 

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Rollover ratings for 2005:

http://www.safercar.gov/RollRatings2.cfm

 

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Here are the crash testing videos from IIHS:

http://www.progressive.com/RC/VehicleOwnership/CrashTestVideos.asp

 

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Here is an excellent site that combines the results of the different crash tests: http://www.informedforlife.org/viewartcl.php?index=1