Changing Structures For Safer Small Overlap Frontal Crash

By now, we've all seen the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) videos of the small overlap frontal crash test. IIHS has just released a study called Structural Design Strategies for Improved Small Overlap Crashworthiness Performance.

The study gives an in-depth look at how vehicle makers are changing the vehicle structure to increase occupant protections in these types small overlap frontal crash. The study found that vehicle makers are extending bumper reinforcements, upper rails (reinforcing side frames) into the main front lower rail (frame rail), among a few other methods.

Visit the IIHS website to view the full IIHS Status Report newsletter.