A new more challenging side-impact crash test to improve the safety of car occupants is expected to launch next year.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) side crash test has led to lifesaving improvements in occupant protection since it was introduced in 2003. However, it is no longer challenging automakers.
The new updated test will include a higher impact speed and a heavier, more realistic movable barrier representing a more modern striking vehicle.
“This is an opportunity to build on what we’ve learned in more than 15 years of side testing,” said IIHS Senior Research Engineer Becky Mueller.
“We’ll update the things that need updating, but we don’t need to throw out the things that still work well.”
