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Most people don’t think twice about the safety of their car, but behind the scenes, a lot of work is being done to ensure your vehicle is as safe as possible. From crash testing to emissions and emissions testing, cars are put through rigorous tests before they are allowed on the road. In this blog post, we will take a look at what goes into vehicle safety testing so you can rest assured that your car is up to standard.
Crash Safety Testing
Crash tests are one of the most important safety tests for vehicles and are conducted in order to determine how well a vehicle will protect its occupants in the event of an accident. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct crash tests on most vehicles sold in the United States and assess how well they perform in a variety of accident scenarios. Due to the high cost, they may not perform tests on high-end luxury and exotic vehicles, leaving it up to the manufacturers to ensure those vehicle’s safety.
What Kind of Crash Tests are Conducted?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct crash tests on new vehicles to measure their safety in the event of a collision. Additionally, the IIHS also performs crash avoidance tests, which measure a vehicle's capabilities to prevent or lessen the impact of an accident. The types of crash impact tests performed are:
- Front Impact – The crash test involves a controlled collision of a dummy car into a solid wall at an exact speed and angle. The results are then analyzed to evaluate the safety features of the vehicle, such as seat belts and airbags.
- Side Impact – The side impact test replicates a crash into another vehicle or objects such as a tree or utility (telephone) pole. The results of this test are evaluated to determine the performance of the car's safety systems, like the door beams.
- Rollover Impact – The rollover test involves flipping the vehicle onto its side or roof and examining how well it guards the passengers. The goal of the test is to identify if the roof caves in, which would signify a deficiency in the car's construction.
Crash Avoidance Tests
Crash avoidance tests are used to evaluate a vehicle's capability of lowering the chance of an accident. These evaluations can be done in a laboratory, on a test track, or under real-life conditions. The IIHS performs crash avoidance testing specifically for safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). To get a superior rating, these systems must avoid or reduce the impact of a collision in each test and greatly lower crash speeds in track tests.
Why Crash Testing is Important
Crash tests are important for ensuring that vehicles meet safety regulations and can protect passengers in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, despite all of these safety tests, accidents still happen and in certain circumstances the accident or the injuries that result are caused by a failure of the vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to another driver's negligence or defect in a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
By working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can seek the justice and financial recovery you deserve in order to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses stemming from your accident. It is important to take action right away to ensure that your rights are protected throughout your case.
Looking for a Car Accident Attorney in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?
If you have been involved in a car accident and are looking for an experienced attorney to represent you, reach out to the lawyers at Fulmer Sill. Our attorneys specialize in helping victims of car accidents secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (405) 433-7414 for more information or to schedule a consultation.