Conducting most of its crash examinations at 40 mph, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety varies the test speeds but maintains the bulk at forty. Frequently queried about why they don’t evaluate at higher speeds, despite the prevalent 70 mph speeds on U.S. freeways, the IIHS presents its rationale in the most recent YouTube video.
The IIHS conducts three distinct frontal impact examinations: Enhanced Moderate Overlap Test, Driver-Side Small Overlap Test, and Passenger-Side Small Overlap Test. Normally performed at 40 mph and not beyond, unless specific circumstances dictate, this benchmark speed mirrors the average velocity of most collisions.
Raul Arbelaez, IIHS’ Vice President of Vehicle Research Center, elucidated, “Our testing speed encapsulates the median of actual crash scenarios where severe and critical injuries occur. Although more severe incidents exist, we capture the majority of total crashes, with many being of low severity.”
IIHS
Regarding a potential speed increase to 50 mph, Arbelaez highlighted, “An escalation in crash energy is proportionate to the impact velocity, implying a 50%+ rise when transitioning from forty to fifty. Such higher-speed assessments bring unintended repercussions, potentially compromising safety in less severe accidents.”
Note that vehicle safety isn’t solely hinged on crashworthiness but also on roadway infrastructure, traffic laws, their enforcement, and driver conduct, collectively shaping road safety. The optimal balance appears to lie at 40 mph, balancing further research in accident prevention techniques.
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