Acceptable Rating?

"EL_ULY" (uly)
11/05/2013 at 11:36 • Filed to: Crash Test

I thought I figured out the grading method for these IIHS Small Overlap tests.

The A-pillar of course needing to stay strong so the bulkhead (firewall) would not shift causing the steering column (airbag) to shift out of the way of the driver. I've seen the dummy's head on some videos completely miss the airbag because of this shift and smack the dash where the door meets.

Still, in some videos, mostly 2012 German cars, the A-pillar would still flex somewhat but the dummy's head did land safely in the steering wheel squib. Yet, they scored a poor rating.

Obviously we cant see any accelerator, G force, and other sensor data. I just kinda figured that watching all these small overlap videos and trying to guess the rating was interesting trying to determine what I see with the actual score. I was close but some cars like this 2014 Scion TC abouv would of defiantly got a poor rating seeing the cabin shift and the dummy's head smack the dash, but I was wrong. Cars that looked relatively ok did bad.

All in all im glad this test is out. It really makes sense because its something most idiot drivers on the road tend to do and try to swerve away from danger unsuccessfully. Most modern vehicles can easily pass the standard front end crash test. I really do believe that this small overlap test is a more likely crash scenario and point of impact given most driver's reactions.

Just hope it doesn't ruin car design too much on everyday cars.

videos courtesy of IIHS

DISCUSSION (16)

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 11:39

So this is how people die in accidents, the bulkhead moves slightly, causing people to hit the dashboard?

Mattbob > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 11:53

"dummy's head did land safely in the steering wheel squib."

Kinja'd!!!

EL_ULY > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
11/05/2013 at 11:54

I didn't specify death at all. There are obviously more reasons duh dude. Just an uncomfortable feeling knowing the airbag, a device that would greatly reduce the chance of death, would be non effective in a measly 40 mph crash because of the structural rigidity of these popular vehicles.

Casper > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 12:01

First, if the restraints are used properly, you shouldn't be able to hit your head on the dash. Second, air bags are secondary to safety belts, they are not a required component. They are actually there to catch people are have their seats adjusted incorrectly, are wearing the safety belt incorrectly, or are simply not wearing safety belts at all.

In the first video you can see the dummies head slip between air bags, but you don't see it strike anything firmly. What you have just witnesses is where you get strains/whiplash from. Both cars actually did quite well for such an abstract test.

EL_ULY > Mattbob
11/05/2013 at 12:04

I dont get it :]

EL_ULY > Casper
11/05/2013 at 12:08

true, it was in slow motion and i just figured it was a hard impact.

Mattbob > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 12:09

The squib is the explosive part of the airbag. Not the life saving soft pillowy part. To say landing safely in the steering wheel squib is a bit odd, at least to me.

Casper > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 12:11

Generally, sitting in restraints, the only things that should be even a possibility to hit is the steering wheel and driver side window. The steering wheel is padded/breakable for that exact reason. Also, it doesn't look like the column moved so much as angular momentum caused the dummy to go between the airbags. In an offset collision the energy is transferring and an extreme angle.

EL_ULY > Mattbob
11/05/2013 at 12:13

lol true, That's what we call them in the parts department when collision centers ask for them. Squib assembly. I'll keep calling them that :]

EL_ULY > Casper
11/05/2013 at 12:18

Im going off what i've judged by the videos and the video uploaded by the IIHS. I think the guy mentioned something similar about the steering wheel shifting being an issue on some cars. People are going to react in that situation and most try and swerve. Doesn't seem like an abstract test to me especially at 40 mph, but that's just my opinion.

Mattbob > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 12:20

ahh, I tend to get specific about that stuff. I worked in occupant safety for a major airbag supplier for a bit.

Casper > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 12:22

Well it is. Most people are swerving away from an obstacle when they strike it or plowing straight into it. When swerving away, the angular momentum is very different than that of these tests. That is why for a long time they were considered unnecessary. It's a very small percentage of accident statistics. Recently it has been a game to come up with new standards to keep trying to find ways to improve, so they have been going down the list. Soon we will see small overlap rear collision tests as well... once this one has been played out.

EL_ULY > Mattbob
11/05/2013 at 12:23

Hakuna Matata, very understandable

EL_ULY > Casper
11/05/2013 at 12:24

lol, very possible indeed. Come on roof drop test :]

Casper > EL_ULY
11/05/2013 at 12:40

You never know when you might need to be protected from a falling caravan as well ;)

EL_ULY > Casper
11/05/2013 at 12:49

lol right. Off oppo and straight to Netflix to watch Top gear during lunch in about 10 minutes :] Old school Caravan challenge should do just fine