MENU
SEARCHThe video shows how today's vehicles protect occupants much better, thanks to stronger safety cages and side airbags.
A new web video from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), "Inside IIHS: Side testing," explains a crash test that has helped drive progress in occupant protection.
When IIHS first began crashing a 3,300-pound barrier into the sides of vehicles a decade ago, the tests revealed structures that allowed severe intrusion into the occupant compartment. Today's vehicles protect occupants much better, thanks to stronger safety cages and side airbags, IIHS said.
The video shows the deformable barrier, which has the shape and height of the front end of a typical SUV or pickup truck. The barrier is crashed into the sides of vehicles at 31 mph, and SID-II dummies positioned in the test vehicles represent a small woman and a 12-year-old child. IIHS Vice President Raul Arbelaez walks viewers through the test and explains how the results are translated into ratings.
The video is available on the IIHS YouTube channel and is part of the "Inside IIHS" series. Previous installments have focused on other IIHS tests, crash test dummies, the propulsion system used to power crash tests, and IIHS’ booster seat rating program.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Fleet managers are under pressure to reduce accidents, control costs, and improve operational efficiency. See how advanced vehicle safety technologies are helping fleets operate smarter and safer.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
