Side collisions between cars were responsible for 23% of deaths in 2019

Side collisions between cars were responsible for 23% of road deaths in 2019, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also, a study by the same organization that includes data from the last decade (started in 2011) finds that a driver who drives a car with a good score in various tests performed by independent security agencies is 70% less likely to be fatally injured than a car that has a bad rating.

Conflict data is being used extensively by automakers that are improving daily and trying to figure out ways to reduce fatal accidents.

For example, the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has introduced a new, tougher crash test to deal with accidents, using faster test speeds. In the first tests of the 2020-21 vehicles, only one in 20 small SUVs, the 2021 Mazda CX-5, scored well. “We developed this new test because we suspected that there was room for further progress and these results confirm that. “A good score for the CX-5 shows that strong protection in the most serious side impact is possible,” said IIHS President David Harkey.

Nine vehicles, according to the IIHS, are earning acceptable ratings and are the Audi Q3, Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Venza and Volvo XC40. Eight others (Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Jeep Renegade, Kia Sportage and Lincoln Corsair) earn marginal ratings, while the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross receive poor ratings. All vehicles were 2021 models, except Mitsubishi which used a 2020 model.

In these tests, a heavier range of cars was used, which was heavier approaching the weight of the mid-size SUVs, while the collision took place at a higher speed (37 miles). That is, 82% more energy was used to respond to more real data. The tests rated the integrity parameter for how well the passenger compartment holds its shape during the collision. The tests used dummies mounted on the driver’s seat, but also on the rear seats, recording all the data, which can later be used in the best way by the manufacturers.