Crash test ratings are some of the most important factors car shoppers take into consideration when looking for a new vehicle. It’s for good reason. Not only do crash tests help consumers pick a safer vehicle, tests play an important role in keeping the auto industry on its toes. As a result, safety technology is constantly improving. With that said, how do crash tests work?
Today there are two major organizations that conduct crash test research in the U.S. that includes the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The two word independent of each other and while the IIHS is a nonprofit, the NHTSA is federally funded. The two also conduct different series of crash tests. Even though the two are very different, both provide incredible insight into the safety of new vehicles.
What’s the difference between the IIHS and NHTSA?
Aside from the difference in funding, the IIHS and NHTSA also rate crash test performance differently. While the NHTSA awards a one to five-star rating, the IIHS rates vehicle crash test performance based on a scale of poor, marginal, acceptable and good (the highest). The IIHS also awards a Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ recognition for top-performing vehicles.
In addition to differences in rating systems, it’s also important to note that the IIHS and NHTSA conduct different crash tests. The IIHS does a roof strength, side, head restraints and seats, side, moderate overlap front and small overlap front crash tests. The agency also evaluates each vehicle’s level of front crash prevention. In contrast, the NHTSA only conducts frontal, side and rollover crash tests. Together the NHTSA and IIHS crash tests provide a helpful story regarding each new vehicle’s level of safety protection.
Here’s a closer look how crash tests are conducted:
We hope this information was helpful! Have questions about something we didn’t cover here? Contact the team at Matt Castrucci Nissan today!
