SMALL OVERLAP

"ScootScoot" (ScootScoot)
08/22/2013 at 15:16 • Filed to: None

So, I'm addicted to these. First up the 2013 Buick Encore. Yikes! The only encore you'll get are more facial reconstructive surgeries.

Next up is a 2013 Honda Accord Coupe. Which does alright, but what caught my eye and likely ripped it out is the spinning airbag. Ya, that's going to leave a mark.

DISCUSSION (20)

desertdog5051 > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:21

Those Buick airbags leave something to be desired. The Honda certainly worked better. Sorta like a disc grinder, though.

Sethersm > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:22

So what we've learned here is go full on destructo rather than trying to avoid.

HammerheadFistpunch > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:27

looks like the airbag spun because the wheels spun, likely from the impact that broke the front DS wheel in half.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:27

So airbags don't do anything if your face still hits the dash (we're looking at you Buick).

And that spinning airbag was more effective, but that's gonna SUCK!

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > Sethersm
08/22/2013 at 15:28

Hit'em where the most meat is.

ChiffChaff > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:28

Happen to have one for the Smart-4-Two?

Jagvar > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:46

The dummy's face came off. o_0

ScootScoot > ChiffChaff
08/22/2013 at 15:57

OHHH my god. Say goodbye to your motherfuckin ankles.

Chteelers > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 15:58

Am I the only one who thinks these tests get a bit too aggressive? I mean, what if I ran a test where a car hits a 2" diameter pole end-on which is aimed directly at the driver's head?

Chteelers > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
08/22/2013 at 16:00

I think the steering wheel spun, not the airbag itself.

ChiffChaff > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 16:00

Thanks for that. I bet those new little Fiats would do even worse!

GreenN_Gold > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
08/22/2013 at 16:15

The impact spun the wheel, which spun the airbag. That's something I hadn't thought about before. It was comical in this setting.

Part of the point of these new narrow offset tests are to see if it makes the dummy miss the airbag.

sloPro > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 16:50

dont recall the details, i think it was posted on Jalopnik page, but i think it was a blue volvo/or subaru sedan, that during a small overlap test, simply slid off to the side and rotated a bit, and you could see the driver's side frame rail. In my opinion that's probably the best case scenario. that way the head goes directly into the side air bag, as opposed to right between the side & steering wheel bags.

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > ScootScoot
08/22/2013 at 16:59

In both cases the head is sliding off the airbag because the steering wheel rotates quite a lot upon impact. In actual cases I wonder what would happen. Is that moment strong enough to wrench it outof the driver's hands or would the person be strong enough to resist it and hence avoid sliding off the airbag. Oh I'd love to do these tests.

Wave Motion Gun > GreenN_Gold
08/22/2013 at 17:33

Could be an effective argument for electric steering. With no mechanical connection to the rack, no spinning wheel.

punksmurph > Chteelers
08/22/2013 at 17:36

Thank you, how often does a small overlap crash occur really? Next test will be from the rear at a 47.5 degree angle and 38 miles per hour and with the window down.

Viking03 > Chteelers
08/22/2013 at 17:55

As someone who has been in an accident at that angle I would argue that this is an excellent test. However, the vehicle I hit wasn't a solid wall, it moved too. Many accidents aren't head on because you try to avoid the other car at the last second, causing a small overlap.

oyumurtaci > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents
08/22/2013 at 20:03

Usually the airbag expanding forces your arms out to the sides as it expands, even if you're gripping the wheel, and since the rotation is caused by the direct link between the steering wheel and the whole steering assembly, the forces in action would probably be enough to break your wrists if you didn't let go.

So basically I'm actually advocating electric steering in which no amount of force on the steering assembly will result in broken wrists or smeared facial features since there is no direct physical link between the wheel and the steering wheel.

Chteelers > punksmurph
08/23/2013 at 07:36

Right? My point is that with these very specific tests, the manufacturers just engineer to pass the test.

punksmurph > Chteelers
08/23/2013 at 12:04

Got it. I am just getting irritated that the IIHS is coming up with more and more bizarre tests. I would love to know the statistics of how often this sort of crash happens. They are just getting so specific in their testing, it almost seems like so people don't forget who they are.