Abstract
Crash tests of popular motor vehicles such as the USA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) have been conducted for more than two decades, initially using the 56km/h full frontal crash test. During the 1990s crash testing began in Australia, Europe, Japan and Korea. The offset frontal crash test and 90° moving barrier side impact were introduced during this time. In the USA the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also commenced offset frontal crash tests and NHTSA added the oblique moving barrier side impact test to its program.
To date more than 300 offset frontal crash tests and more than 70 side impact tests (90°) have been conducted throughout the world by NCAP-related organisations. Over one dozen pole impacts have now been conducted in Europe. The results of these tests are primarily used to derive crashworthiness ratings for the information of consumers. There is, however, tremendous potential for crash test data and video to contribute to crashworthiness research. We review the data being collected during these crash tests and suggest ways that they can contribute to improved vehicle design and occupant protection.