Crash Test Videos Online

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--Full-motion video results of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) low speed bumper crash tests for seven popular 2000 and 2001 model vehicles are now on view via the Internet. Video results and analysis are featured at www.progressive.com.

The front and rear bumper tests were conducted on the Hyundai Elantra, Lexus LS 430, Honda Civic, Dodge Stratus, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Focus and Mercedes C320. This current footage isn’t available on any other website, according to the company.

In the front and rear bumper tests among the six updated models, only the Hyundai Elantra and the Lexus LS 430 results improved compared with previous models of the same cars. The Honda Civic, Dodge Stratus and Dodge Grand Caravan test results didn’t improve, while the test results of the new Ford Focus were worse than its predecessor model, the Escort. The seventh car, the Mercedes C320, hadn’t been previously tested. Each car was tested in a series of four front and rear impacts at 5 mph.

“We are delighted to see Progressive use our video and results on its website. The more access insurance consumers have to these kinds of results, the more pressure there will be on automakers to improve their designs,” said Brian O’Neill, IIHS president.

“Progressive is committed to the idea that consumers are empowered through choice,” said Toby Alfred, site manager for progressive.com. “Hosting the IIHS crash test videos on progressive.com helps a consumer choose the right vehicle-- the vehicle that will keep him or her safe in an accident, and cost the least to be repaired.”