Insurance Institute Tests Reveal that Many SUVs and Pickups Fail To Protect Neck
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Head restraints in several sport/utility vehicles and pickup trucks did a poor job of protecting test dummies from neck injuries in a simulated rear crash at 20 mph.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Head restraints in several sport/utility vehicles and pickup trucks did a poor job of protecting test dummies from neck injuries in a simulated rear crash at 20 mph, according to the Web site, www.nbc4.tv. Only six of the 44 SUVs and none of the 15 pickups tested earned top scores of “good” for their seat and head restraints in tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an industry group. Automakers say their vehicles are safe and meet federal standards. Some take issue with the test, contending that variations in the crash could produce different ratings for the same vehicle. The six 2006 SUVs receiving the top score were the Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover LR3, Subaru Forester, and the Volvo XC90.
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