Do Crash Test Standards Need to be Re-Evaluated?

Discussion on Whether Current Test Methods Widen Disparity Between Large and Small Vehicles Planned at SAE 2003 World Congress

WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 24 -- Fixed-barrier frontal crash tests, such as those used by the federal government and an insurance industry- sponsored organization, may need to be re-evaluated because they could be making large and small vehicles less compatible in crashes. Attendees at the Society of Automotive Engineers' hallmark event will have a chance to hear a presentation from engineers who will present this case.

In a technical paper to be presented during the SAE 2003 World Congress (March 3 - 6, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA) authors Mukul Verma, Principle Engineer, Robert Lange, Executive Director of Safety Structure and Integration and Joseph Lavelle, Senior Engineer of General Motors will discuss whether crash test regulations as well as non-regulatory procedures need to be revisited. Their research shows that fixed-barrier tests (in which a vehicle is crashed into a stationary object such as a wall) have led to larger vehicles with stiffer, or stronger, front ends with higher force levels. While these vehicles score higher on the tests, the tests themselves may have the unintended effect of widening the disparity between large and small vehicles.

"In researching the subject, we considered various vehicle characteristics and the potential to address the balance of self- and partner-protection in a fleet of large and small vehicles," said Lange. As one of the influencing factors, they examined the effects of certain vehicle level test conditions on vehicle structure and collision compatibility. The authors will discuss whether these test procedures could be revisited to perhaps bring more real- world relevance to the tests and to improve collision compatibility.

"GM is currently participating in an industry-wide effort to address collisions between smaller and larger vehicles, including light truck-based vehicles," Lange said. "One group is studying frontal collisions and another is focusing on side impacts. The groups are expected to issue recommendations before summer."

Presentation of "Relationship of Crash Test Procedures to Vehicle Compatibility" (SAE paper 2003-01-0900), will take place Wednesday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m. in room W2-67 at Cobo Center.

SAE World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive engineering technologies, attracts attendees from more than 40 countries. This year's host is DaimlerChrysler. Also new to the SAE 2003 World Congress: DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors will hold corporate meetings during the SAE World Congress, followed by VIP tours of the SAE 2003 exhibit floor.

To attend the SAE 2003 World Congress event, visit www.sae.org or call 1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S. and Canada, call 1-724-772-4027.

SAE is a non-profit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly 84,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles, aircraft, aerospace craft, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery. This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports, and professional development programs.