NEW CAR VS OLD CAR CRASH TEST

Summary

This video celebrates the 20th anniversary of the European car safety assessment program, Euro NCAP, with a dramatic head-to-head collision test between a 1997 Rover 100 and a Honda Jazz. The test highlights the significant advancements in vehicle safety over the last two decades. While the Rover 100, with its outdated safety features, scored poorly, the Honda Jazz, equipped with modern safety technologies like side airbags, received a five-star rating. The video also touches on the evolution of automotive safety, with a comparison between a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 2009 Chevy Malibu, emphasizing the improved energy distribution in the newer model. The narrative shifts towards the future of safety with active features like automatic braking systems and the ongoing pursuit of zero accidents through self-driving technology.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The script celebrates the 20th anniversary of the European car safety assessment program, Euro NCAP.
• 🚗 A demonstration featured a head-to-head collision between a 1997 Rover 100 and a contemporary Honda Jazz at 40 mph.
• 🌟 The Rover 100, despite having airbags, scored poorly with just one star out of five, indicating severe safety risks.
• 🏥 The crash test dummy in the Rover showed potential for severe injuries, highlighting the importance of vehicle structure and safety features.
• 🏅 In contrast, the Honda Jazz earned a five-star rating due to structural improvements and advanced safety technologies like side airbags.
• 🇺🇸 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US also demonstrated the evolution of automotive safety through crash tests.
• 🚙 A 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air was crashed against a 2009 Chevy Malibu, showing the vast improvement in energy distribution and safety.
• 👨‍🔧 Engineers are now focusing on active safety features such as automatic braking systems to prevent accidents.
• 🤖 The goal of achieving zero accidents through self-driving technology is still a work in progress.
• 🛠️ Comparative crash tests are invaluable for automotive designers, showcasing the progress and commitment to enhancing vehicle safety.

Q & A

What is the significance of the car crash tests mentioned in the script?

The car crash tests are significant as they showcase the remarkable advancements in vehicle safety over the last 20 years, specifically celebrating the 20th anniversary of the European car safety assessment program, Euro NCAP.

What was the purpose of the head-to-head collision between a 1997 Rover 100 and a Honda Jazz?

The purpose of the head-to-head collision was to demonstrate the stark contrast in safety between a car from 1997 and its contemporary counterpart, highlighting the improvements in vehicle safety over time.

How did the 1997 Rover 100 perform in the crash test, and what did it indicate about potential injuries?

The 1997 Rover 100 scored poorly with just one star out of five. The crash test dummy inside demonstrated severe injuries a real driver could sustain, including potential crush injuries to the legs and head.

What safety features did the Honda Jazz have that contributed to its five-star rating?

The Honda Jazz had structural improvements and advanced safety technologies such as side curtain airbags, which contributed to its five-star rating and kept the crash test dummy much more secure.

How does the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US demonstrate the evolution of automotive safety?

IIHS demonstrates the evolution of automotive safety by colliding a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air with a 2009 Chevy Malibu, showcasing the vastly improved energy distribution upon impact in the newer model.

What is the current focus of engineers in terms of vehicle safety?

Engineers are shifting their focus towards active safety features, such as automatic braking systems, aimed at preventing accidents before they occur.

What is the ultimate goal of automotive safety advancements as mentioned in the script?

The ultimate goal of automotive safety advancements is achieving zero accidents through self-driving technology, although this remains a work in progress.

How do comparative crash tests serve automotive designers?

Comparative crash tests serve as invaluable tools for automotive designers, committed to enhancing vehicle safety through rigorous test scenarios.

What does the script suggest about the progress made by automotive engineers in improving safety?

The script suggests that automotive engineers have made significant progress in improving safety, as vividly demonstrated through the comparative crash tests.

What is the role of airbags in modern vehicle safety as highlighted in the script?

The role of airbags in modern vehicle safety is highlighted by the fact that nearly every conceivable spot in modern cars now houses an airbag, contributing to the protection of the driver from direct harm during an accident.