The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently released the results of their updated front crash test, evaluating vehicle-to-vehicle crashes at high speeds. While the majority of new vehicles now come equipped with automatic emergency braking, this test specifically focuses on some of the most dangerous front-to-rear crashes that are still occurring.
In the previous test, speeds only went as high as 25 mph. However, in the updated test, the IIHS tested 2023-2024 cars at various speeds up to 43 mph, realizing that crashes at higher speeds are more dangerous. Deadly underride crashes often involve large trucks, and rear-end collisions with motorcycles can be fatal due to the lack of protection for the rider.
Out of the 10 SUVs tested, only one small SUV received a good rating. The Subaru Forester passed all test speeds, avoiding crashes with a motorcycle at 31 and 37 mph. It also significantly slowed down before hitting the motorcycle target in the 43 mph tests. The forward collision warning alerts of the Subaru Forester were consistently early, providing ample time for the driver to react in all trials.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 received average ratings, with the CR-V providing timely warnings and coming to a stop or near stop in most trials. However, it struggled to slow down consistently in the 43 mph trials involving the motorcycle target.
The Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Compass received moderate ratings. The Escape avoided hitting the targets at lower speeds and slowed down moderately at higher speeds. However, it lost points due to the late timing of its forward collision warning.
Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Taos all received poor ratings. These SUVs failed to provide timely warnings or slowed down inadequately in various scenarios, particularly when it came to crashes involving motorcycles.
The IIHS emphasized that while today’s front crash prevention systems are effective in preventing crashes with other passenger vehicles, they are less effective in preventing crashes with motorcycles and medium or heavy trucks. The higher-speed testing performed by the IIHS is essential in assessing system performance in these critical situations.
In conclusion, as technology advances, it is crucial for manufacturers to continually improve front crash prevention systems to address the specific challenges associated with crashes involving motorcycles and larger vehicles. Consumers should consider the crash test ratings when making purchasing decisions, prioritizing the safety features that are most effective at higher speeds.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: What did the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test in their updated front crash test?
A: The IIHS tested vehicle-to-vehicle crashes at high speeds, specifically focusing on front-to-rear crashes.
Q: What speeds were tested in the updated crash test?
A: In the updated test, the IIHS tested 2023-2024 cars at various speeds up to 43 mph.
Q: Why did the IIHS test crashes at higher speeds?
A: The IIHS realized that crashes at higher speeds are more dangerous and wanted to assess the safety of vehicles in those scenarios.
Q: Which SUV received the highest rating in the test?
A: The Subaru Forester received a good rating and passed all test speeds, avoiding crashes with a motorcycle at various speeds.
Q: How did the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 perform in the test?
A: The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 received average ratings, with the CR-V providing timely warnings and coming to a stop or near stop in most trials.
Q: Which SUVs received moderate ratings in the test?
A: The Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Compass received moderate ratings. While they avoided hitting the targets at lower speeds, they had issues with timing and slowing down.
Q: Which SUVs received poor ratings in the test?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Taos all received poor ratings. They failed to provide timely warnings or slowed down inadequately, especially in crashes involving motorcycles.
Q: What did the IIHS emphasize about front crash prevention systems?
A: The IIHS emphasized that while these systems are effective in preventing crashes with other passenger vehicles, they are less effective in preventing crashes with motorcycles and medium or heavy trucks.
Q: What should consumers consider when making purchasing decisions?
A: Consumers should consider the crash test ratings and prioritize safety features that are most effective at higher speeds.
Definitions for key terms and jargon:
1. Front crash test: A test conducted to evaluate the safety of vehicles in front-to-rear crashes.
2. Vehicle-to-vehicle crashes: Crashes involving two or more vehicles.
3. Automatic emergency braking: A safety feature that automatically applies the vehicle’s brakes in certain situations to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision.
4. Underride crashes: Crashes in which a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a larger vehicle, often resulting in severe damage or fatalities.
5. Rear-end collisions: Crashes in which the front of one vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle.
6. Forward collision warning: A safety feature that alerts the driver if the vehicle is at risk of colliding with another object or vehicle in front.
7. SUV: Abbreviation for Sport Utility Vehicle, a type of vehicle that combines elements of passenger cars and off-road vehicles.
8. Motorcycle: A two-wheeled vehicle typically used for recreation or transportation.
9. IIHS: Abbreviation for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent organization that conducts research and tests to promote vehicle safety.
Suggested related links:
– Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
– Subaru
– Honda
– Toyota
– Ford
– Hyundai
– Jeep
– Chevrolet
– Mazda
– Mitsubishi
– Volkswagen