New Ideas For Judging Auto Safety

(CBS) WASHINGTON The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a 26-page report suggesting ways the government can improve its crash testing and public safety ratings for new automobiles. But this won't result in any quick mandated changes, and any rules requiring new tests would appear to be years away. Among the highlights: Frontal Crashes: The government is considering changing the 35 mph frontal crash tests to evaluate leg and thigh injuries. Currently only head, neck and abdomen injuries are measured. In addition, the government may consider conducting some "slower speed" tests since a large number of real world injuries are seen in crashes which happen at speeds below 25 MPH. Side Impact Crashes : The existing 38.5 MPH side test has not been changed since the wide adoption of side airbags and curtains. The government says it needs to review the test protocol to better understand what kinds of injuries are still happening even in those cars protected by side airbags and curtains. NHTSA would consider increasing the speed or weight of the striking barrier. In addition, the government would like to add a "pole test" to simulate what happens when a vehicle slides into a narrow barrier, utility pole, etc. This would help car makers to develop better head protection systems. Rollover Evaluations: The government now bases its rollover ratings on a static measurement (based on the car's height and width) and a test track "tip-test." But with more and more cars now being equipped with Electronic Stability Control, NHTSA needs to refine its analysis to better protect the safety benefit provided by ESC. Rear Crash Ratings: The government is considering adding public rating information about rear-end crashes. Currently NHTSA does not rate for rear crashes, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does. None of these changes are binding, but NHTSA says these "ideas" reflect the government's latest thinking.