Driving a vehicle with a good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Front Driver Side small overlap crash test significantly reduces the risk of death in frontal collisions. A recent IIHS study reveals that drivers of vehicles earning a good rating are 12 percent less likely to die in a frontal crash compared to those driving vehicles with a poor rating.
This substantial reduction in fatality risk underscores the importance of the front driver side small overlap test, introduced by IIHS in 2012. Prior to this test, many vehicles achieved good ratings in the moderate overlap test, yet fatalities in small overlap crashes remained a concern. These crashes, often involving the front corner of a vehicle striking another vehicle or object, accounted for a significant portion of frontal crash fatalities and serious injuries.
The Challenge of Front Driver Side Small Overlap Crashes
The front driver side small overlap test presents a unique challenge to vehicle design. Unlike moderate overlap crashes, the impact force in a small overlap scenario often bypasses the main frame rails. This places the burden of absorbing the crash energy on the occupant compartment and surrounding structures, increasing the risk of intrusion into the driver’s space. The IIHS test simulates this impact by propelling a vehicle at 40 mph into a rigid barrier, with only 25 percent of the vehicle’s width overlapping the barrier.
Measuring Safety in Front Driver Side Impacts
The IIHS evaluates vehicle performance in the front driver side small overlap test based on several criteria: the extent of cabin intrusion, injury measurements from a test dummy representing an average-sized male, and the effectiveness of the restraint system in controlling the dummy’s movement. Ratings range from good to poor, reflecting the level of protection provided to the driver.
When the front driver side small overlap test was first implemented, only a small percentage of vehicles earned a good rating. However, due to advancements in vehicle design and safety technology, nearly all vehicles tested today achieve a good rating in both the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap tests.
Real-World Impact of the Front Driver Side Small Overlap Test
To quantify the real-world impact of improved front driver side crash protection, IIHS researchers analyzed data from frontal crashes between 2012 and 2020. Using vehicle identification numbers (VINs), they linked crash data with IIHS small overlap ratings. After adjusting for factors like vehicle type and driver demographics, they confirmed the significant reduction in driver fatalities associated with good ratings in the front driver side small overlap test.
It’s important to note that the study encompassed all frontal crashes, not just small overlap incidents. The life-saving benefits of a good rating are likely even greater when specifically considering small overlap crashes. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of the front driver side small overlap test in driving vehicle safety improvements and reducing real-world fatalities.
The front driver side small overlap test has significantly improved vehicle safety and reduced driver fatalities in frontal crashes. Choosing a vehicle with a good rating in this test can significantly enhance your safety on the road.
