In head-on collisions involving two vehicles of different weights, occupants in lighter weight vehicles almost always experience greater risk of injury than those in heavier vehicles. The federal safety agency said the side crash used to test these passenger cars simulates a typical intersection collision between two vehicles. In the tests, forces are measured on two crash dummies when a moving, deformable barrier is angled into the side of a car at 38.5 mph. The crash tests are conducted at the higher speed to demonstrate differences that are more apparent at 38.5 mph than at 33.5 mph. As in the frontal test, the two dummies are secured with all available restraints.
Instruments measure the force of impact to the dummy's chest and pelvis.
The chest data, which indicate the chance of life-threatening injury, is signified in a single rating reflected by the number of stars. Pelvic injury also is measured. While pelvic injury is rarely life-threatening, it can be disabling. If a high likelihood of pelvic injury occurs in the lateral test, it will be noted in the charts. In reviewing the front and lateral star ratings, keep in mind that, in real world crashes, vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in severe frontal crashes as in severe side crashes.