The IIHS has updated its longest-running crash test to promote better rear passenger protection.
The latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) findings have revealed that most small cars don't provide reasonable protection for rear-seat passengers. In all the small cars tested using the updated moderate overlap front crash test – the agency's longest-running crash test – the rear dummy slid under the seat belt, causing the lap belt to ride up onto the abdomen, increasing the risk of internal injuries.
Out of the five small cars tested, none earned a “good” rating. The Honda Civic sedan and Toyota Corolla sedan were rated “acceptable,” while the Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, and Subaru Crosstrek were rated “poor.”
In the three poor-rated vehicles, measurements taken from the rear dummy also showed a moderate or high risk of head, neck, or chest injuries. The acceptable-rated Honda Civic sedan and Toyota Corolla sedan mostly provided adequate protection in the back seat, with the Corolla having the rear dummy's head approach the front seatback, which increases the risk of head injuries.
The findings reflect the results from last year when the moderate overlap front crash test was first updated. Only two out of 15 small SUVs, the Ford Escape and Volvo XC40, earned a good rating at the time.
The IIHS pointed out that the gap between the front and rear passenger protection happened because the front seat has become safer due to improved airbags and advanced seat belts – features rarely available in the back. As a result, the IIHS has updated its moderate overlap front crash test to encourage manufacturers to improve rear-seat protection.
Despite the improvements in front seat safety features, the IIHS pointed out that the rear seat is still the safest place for young children as they can be at risk of injury from deploying front airbags.
The IIHS updated its testing last year because the rear seats are often occupied by vulnerable passengers, namely children and the elderly. Real-world crashes show that rear-seat passengers are more likely to sustain severe injuries than those in the front, highlighting the importance of this test.
To obtain a “good” rating, the second-row dummy must not surpass the injury risk limits for the head, neck, chest, abdomen, or thigh. Furthermore, the seatbelt should ensure that the dummy does not move too close to the front seatback and avoid submarining or slipping under the lap belt.
Keyword: Rear Passengers Are Unsafe In Small Cars New Crash Test Results Confirm