Mismatch Accident Risks Not Part of Federal Crash Standards

Finding the Balance – Safety Considerations Between Small and Large Vehicles

As the general public becomes more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, it seems natural for consumers to move towards smaller, more efficient cars. With the knowledge that fuel prices could skyrocket again, individuals that drive a significant amount could notice a considerable financial savings by driving fuel–efficient cars. While there are a number of environmental benefits to driving smaller cars, there are some safety considerations that should be evaluated before purchasing a subcompact or micro class car.

All cars sold in the United States must pass federal crash tests defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). What these tests fail to take into consideration are the consequences of real car to car contact. Independent reports by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) looked at occupant safety risks in crashes involving different sized vehicles.

The Challenge of Federally Mandated Crash Tests

Before a new car can be sold in the United States, it must first pass the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) as monitored by NHTSA. Crash safety standards were established for frontal impacts starting in 1979, side impacts in 1997 and rollovers in 2001—standards that every car sold must meet or exceed. Despite changes in occupancy safety, none of the test criteria have changed significantly since the rules were first established. One aspect of federally mandated crash tests is the use of impact barriers in new car crash tests. The barriers use sensors arranged in a grid–like pattern to measure energy transfer on impact. While the barrier test is a good standard, a stationary barrier cannot accurately replicate the damage that can occur when a larger car or truck is involved in an accident with a small car.

Small Car Safety in the Real World

Amongst similar sized cars and NCAP tests, subcompacts and microcars fare well in occupant safety. When involved in accidents with larger vehicles, the limited dimensions of small cars pose injury risks unseen by mandatory government crash testing. When a small car crashes into a larger vehicle, they are at a disadvantage to their counterparts in the following areas:

  • Crush Space: Cars with short front ends must absorb crash forces in less space than cars with longer front ends, transferring more of the crash energy to the occupants. Occupant space is also limited in smaller cars. Combined with limited crush space, there is an increased risk of passenger compartment intrusion and a higher degree of injury in accidents.
  • Vehicle Mass: Even if all aspects of two colliding vehicles are the same, the heavier of the two carries more stored energy while in motion. Upon impact, the heavier car transfers more energy to the lighter car, increasing the crash forces absorbed by both the lighter car and occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury.
  • Geometric Incompatibility: Mostly evident in truck or SUV crashes with cars, mismatches in bumper heights can bypass designated crush zones and alter the potential injury risk for occupants of both vehicles. For the SUV, the car’s bumper makes contact with the front tire/axle area, pushing the front tires into the passenger compartment. For the car, the SUV’s bumper crushes the grill area, increasing intrusion of instrument panel into the passenger compartment.

Bigger is Not Always Better

While the laws of physics look to benefit larger vehicles in terms of passenger safety, there are some caveats and safety concerns with larger vehicles as well. In regards to frontal crashes between large vehicles (trucks/SUVs) and passenger cars, the chances for lower extremity injury increase significantly. Due to large differences in bumper heights, this is also referred to as a ‘mismatch’ frontal crash. These types of crashes can result in significant toe pan (floor area) intrusion for the large vehicle, as the front wheel(s) can be pushed back up into the occupant area, resulting in an increase in lower extremity injury.

  • Passenger bumper frame impacts the SUV tires and axle.

Reports on Injuries and Safety Concerns in Mismatch Accidents

Purchasing a car that is both environmentally friendly and safe for occupants is an ongoing challenge. Add to the mix the various sizes and shapes of other vehicles on the road, and we can see there isn’t a perfect answer. The studies below from CIREN and IIHS show real world examples and controlled environment tests of small cars in mismatch traffic accidents.

Design Defects That Lead to Unnecessary Injury

Regardless of vehicle size, real world accidents can unfortunately expose design defects that put consumers at unnecessary risk. If you or a family member has been involved in an accident where the automobile failed to adequately protect occupants and contributed to serious personal harm, please contact our personal injury attorneys to discuss your potential claim at no cost. For over 24 years, Brayton Purcell has served as advocates for our clients unnecessarily injured by defective and dangerous products.

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