Crash testing explained
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In all tests, dummies are used to facilitate the scientific measurement of the various forces in the crash test. The data gathered is then assessed, using internationally recognised protocols, and scores are determined for various parts of the crash test.
Additionally, ANCAP award bonus points for other safety features such as seat belt reminders. The overall score is then translated into a star rating of between 1 to 5, with higher scores awarded more stars.
- Frontal offset test
- Side impact test
- Pedestrian test
- Pole test.
Make safety a high priority when choosing your next car. Look for vehicle with a minimum of 4 stars ... it could save your life.
Crash test dummies
Dummies provide vital clues to what happens in a crash.
Hybrid III (frontal impact) and EuroSID II (side impact) dummies have experienced dozens of crashes first-hand. Their role is vital: the accident simulations rely on having a driver and passenger aboard to provide a full picture of likely injuries in a crash. Hybrid III is designed to gather data from frontal impacts and EuroSID II gathers side-impact data, so the instrumentation in each is very different.
Our guide to Hybrid III explains how data is sourced.
For more information on crash testing, visit the ANCAP website.
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The CarsGuide team of car experts is made up of a diverse array of journalists, with combined experience that well and truly exceeds a century. We live with the cars we test, weaving them into…
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