This is because the government has not set a minimum standard, and no information about rollover risks will be provided to consumers when they buy cars. The new system is troubling in many aspects. First, it is purely informational, so manufacturers can choose to ignore it. Further, the program places the onus on consumers to conduct research and find the rollover ratings themselves. There is no requirement that manufacturers post the information on showroom vehicles.
Static tests are generally inadequate.
Dynamic tests can better assess a vehicle's overall performance in real-life situations, such as when drivers swerve and brake. These industry representatives have said that such a standard could eliminate compact SUVs or require their substantial redesign. In reality, then, this new star rating program will afford little additional protection to consumers. This is tragic because lives are at stake. Surely that's not asking for the moon and the stars.