Consumers now have access to more crash testing information than ever before.
The frontal crash test is performed by crashing the test vehicle into a stationary rigid barrier at 35 mph while the side impact test is performed by crashing 3,015 pound deformable barrier into the side of the stationary vehicle at a speed of 38.5 mph. The IIHS also performs four low speed 5 mph damage assessment crashes into a barrier and a fixed pole to test the protection of bumpers. The IIHS also compiles Injury, Collision, and Theft Summaries and Driver Death Rates for various makes and models.