Deformable barrier, 64km/h offset crash tests are conducted under international New Car Assessment Programs. Injury and deformation data from more than 140 offset crash tests carried out since 1995 by EuroNCAP, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Australian NCAP have been analysed. Trends for head protection, leg protection and structural performance are discussed. The test results confirm that increased uptake of front airbags in Australia has brought about an improvement in head protection. Improvements in structural performance appear to have led to improved leg and foot protection globally. Vehicle designs have evolved to provide better occupant protection in offset crashes. Consumer crash test programs have accelerated this process.
Samenvatting