The actual side-impact performance crash test would include a specially designed crash test dummy representing a small adult female, as well as a new and more technically advanced adult male dummy of average height.
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| The new NHTSA test would invole a 20-mph impact into a rigid pole at an approach angle of 75 degrees. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The new test would require a vehicle traveling at 20-mph to impact into a rigid pole at an approach angle of 75 degrees, a test that is said to reflect real world side-impact collisions. Why the use of a rigid pole? Despite the greater area of open space available for a car to drive through between telephone poles, light posts or trees, a higher percentage of people who lose control of their vehicles focus on what they don't want to hit, and inevitably strike the telephone pole, light post or tree they are hoping to avoid. Another common side-impact crash happens when a vehicle broadsides another at an intersection, especially dangerous if the offending vehicle is larger than the victim.
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| The proposed rule upgrade will likely become final as early as 2005. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
"Our goal is to protect all sizes of people, whether they are hit by an SUV or a pickup truck, or run into a tree," Dr. Runge said.
As it stands the proposed rule upgrade will likely become final as early as 2005, with a phase-in for all new vehicles beginning four years after publication of the ruling. That would mean all 2010 model year vehicles, or those made in 2009, would feature side-impact airbags as standard equipment. No doubt airbag manufacturers are rubbing their collective palms together with glee.