Crash Tests

WASHINGTON -- Seven sport utility vehicles earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's highest ratings in providing protection in front-end and side crashes, according to test results released yesterday. The 2006 models of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes Benz ML-class, Nissan Murano and Subaru B9 Tribeca received five stars in front- and side-impact crash tests for the driver and passenger sides. The 2007 model of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which has a similar structure to the Explorer's, also received five stars in the two crash...

WASHINGTON - A Chevrolet Volt that caught fire three weeks after its lithium-ion battery was damaged in a government crash test has regulators taking a harder look at the safety of electric car batteries, federal officials said yesterday. But based on testing so far, regulators believe the batteries are safe and don't pose a greater fire risk than gasoline-powered engines, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration official told the Associated Press. The official requested anonymity in order to speak freely.

WASHINGTON - The latest crash tests by the insurance industry raise safety questions about small pickups, which are drawing more interest because they get better mileage than larger trucks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported today that several small pickups from the 2008 model year offered dismal protection in side crashes. Versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and its twin vehicle, the GMC Canyon, without optional side air bags earned the institute's lowest rating of poor in the side test.

A small Japanese company has developed a modern, miniature version of Noah's Ark in case Japan is hit by another massive earthquake and tsunami: a floating capsule that looks like a huge tennis ball. Japan's Cosmo Power says its "Noah" shelter is made of enhanced fiberglass that can save users from disasters like the one on March 11 that devasted Japan's northern coast, leaving nearly 20,000 people dead or missing. Company president Shoji Tanaka says the capsule can hold four adults, and that it has survived many crash tests.

DETROIT -- The 2008 BMW 5 Series was the worst performer in side-impact crash tests of luxury sedans by the insurance industry. The Acura RL, Kia Amanti, and Volvo S80 all earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to results released yesterday. The Cadillac STS and Mercedes E-Class earned the second-highest rating. The tests were designed to show what would happen if a truck or sport-utility vehicle hit the side of the sedan at 31 miles per hour, the speed of a serious crash.

WASHINGTON - Small cars, which have become more popular with the fluctuation in gas prices, are becoming better equipped to protect motorists in serious crashes, according to tests by the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave top scores on front-end crash tests for several 2009 small cars. Three vehicles - the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix, which share the same underpinnings, and the Suzuki SX4 - also received top scores in side protection. Only one vehicle tested, the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, received the lowest mark...

WASHINGTON - Unlike most cars on the road, the pint-size 2008 Smart fortwo evokes a simple question at first glance: "How safe is it?" The micro car, the smallest car for sale in the US market, offers a good level of safety, according to new crash tests conducted by the insurance industry. The 8-foot, 8-inch vehicle received the highest rating of good in front-end and side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helping address some concerns that consumers may be more vulnerable in the tiny two-seater.

WASHINGTON -- Head restraints in several sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks poorly protected test dummies from neck injuries in a simulated rear crash at 20 miles per hour, the insurance industry reported yesterday. Only six of the 44 SUVs but not one of the 15 pickups tested earned top scores for their seat and head restraints. Automakers said their vehicles are safe and meet federal standards. Some took issue with the test, contending that variations in the crash could produce different ratings for the same vehicle.

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Co. is developing a high-tech insert for crash test dummies that is similar in size and shape to a 6-year-old's abdomen, aiming to improve tests for children's vehicle safety. The prototype is part of an effort to make pediatric crash dummies and tests more realistic. The hope is they'll lead to better vehicle restraints for children, the Dearborn-based automaker said. Partners in the collaboration include Wayne State University in Detroit, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Takata Corp., which makes automotive safety...

WASHINGTON - Even a fender-bender in a fuel-efficient mini car can lead to thousands of dollars' worth of repairs, the insurance industry found in new crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported today that repairing damage to microcars in low-speed crashes of 3 to 6 miles per hour could cost anywhere from $474 to $3,701. The institute conducted low-speed crash tests on the front and back bumpers and the front and rear corners of seven 2009 model year mini cars.

Freeskier Simon Dumont has put his crash in Winter X Games superpipe practice behind him and is preparing for the debut of Winter X Games Europe. “I think I’m skiing pretty well,’’ the 23-year-old native of Bethel, Maine, said in a phone interview from Silverton, Colo., where he is shooting a movie. “I put a lot of pressure on myself and got knocked out at the X Games. I probably shouldn’t have competed, but I’d like to see the podium before the year is over.’’ Dumont crashed in a practice superpipe run Jan. 26, rendering him unconscious for several...

WASHINGTON - Even a fender-bender in a fuel-efficient mini car can lead to thousands of dollars' worth of repairs, the insurance industry found in new crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported today that repairing damage to microcars in low-speed crashes of 3 to 6 miles per hour could cost anywhere from $474 to $3,701. The institute conducted low-speed crash tests on the front and back bumpers and the front and rear corners of seven 2009 model year mini cars.

WASHINGTON - The Kia Sportage sport utility vehicle received poor ratings in new roof-strength tests designed by the insurance industry to give consumers a better sense of how their vehicles might perform in a rollover crash. The Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Honda Element, and Jeep Patriot received top scores among a dozen small SUVs tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Mitsubishi Outlander received the second-highest score of acceptable.

WASHINGTON - Three large pickup trucks that serve as workhorses for construction crews, farmers, and small business owners are not providing good protection in side crashes, according to tests conducted by the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave low marks to the 2009 versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan in side crash tests results being released today. The Ram, equipped with standard side air bags, earned the second-lowest score, marginal.

WASHINGTON - Small cars, which have become more popular with the fluctuation in gas prices, are becoming better equipped to protect motorists in serious crashes, according to tests by the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave top scores on front-end crash tests for several 2009 small cars. Three vehicles - the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix, which share the same underpinnings, and the Suzuki SX4 - also received top scores in side protection. Only one vehicle tested, the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, received the lowest mark...

WASHINGTON - The latest crash tests by the insurance industry raise safety questions about small pickups, which are drawing more interest because they get better mileage than larger trucks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported today that several small pickups from the 2008 model year offered dismal protection in side crashes. Versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and its twin vehicle, the GMC Canyon, without optional side air bags earned the institute's lowest rating of poor in the side test.

A small Japanese company has developed a modern, miniature version of Noah's Ark in case Japan is hit by another massive earthquake and tsunami: a floating capsule that looks like a huge tennis ball. Japan's Cosmo Power says its "Noah" shelter is made of enhanced fiberglass that can save users from disasters like the one on March 11 that devasted Japan's northern coast, leaving nearly 20,000 people dead or missing. Company president Shoji Tanaka says the capsule can hold four adults, and that it has survived many crash tests.

WASHINGTON - The Kia Sportage sport utility vehicle received poor ratings in new roof-strength tests designed by the insurance industry to give consumers a better sense of how their vehicles might perform in a rollover crash. The Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Honda Element, and Jeep Patriot received top scores among a dozen small SUVs tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Mitsubishi Outlander received the second-highest score of acceptable.

WASHINGTON - Unlike most cars on the road, the pint-size 2008 Smart fortwo evokes a simple question at first glance: "How safe is it?" The micro car, the smallest car for sale in the US market, offers a good level of safety, according to new crash tests conducted by the insurance industry. The 8-foot, 8-inch vehicle received the highest rating of good in front-end and side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helping address some concerns that consumers may be more vulnerable in the tiny two-seater.