When does a car stop being safe?

Summary

This video explores the evolution of car safety, from the early crude tests of the 1950s to the sophisticated systems in modern vehicles. It highlights how car manufacturers were once driven by fear of government regulation, but safety advances were pushed forward by insurance companies and public pressure. Through a series of experiments and detailed explanations, the video delves into crash tests, safety features like crumple zones, airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners, and how they work together to protect drivers. Ultimately, the host questions whether their own car, despite its good ratings, might be unsafe due to newer safety standards.

Takeaways

• 😀 The safety of cars has evolved significantly over time, with early crash tests being crude and unconventional, but leading to the development of key safety features.
• 😀 In the 1950s, car crashes became a major public health issue, prompting the first research centers focused on crash safety and leading to crucial innovations like the 'lifeguard design' steering wheel.
• 😀 The 1966 book 'Unsafe at Any Speed' exposed dangerous car designs, prompting the government to pass the first car safety bill, leading to mandatory tests on equipment like steering wheels.
• 😀 In the 1960s, the government introduced crashworthiness as a concept, shifting focus from just equipment to overall passenger protection during crashes.
• 😀 Airbags and seatbelt technology were developed to prevent injuries, but engineers faced challenges like airbag injuries and the risk of submarining (sliding under the seatbelt).
• 😀 The introduction of pretensioners and load limiters in seatbelts helped to reduce injuries from airbags and prevented people from sliding under the seatbelt during crashes.
• 😀 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) started influencing car safety in the 1990s by introducing more rigorous crash tests, which pressured automakers to improve vehicle safety.
• 😀 The IIHS offset crash test, introduced in 1995, was more reflective of real-world accidents and forced car manufacturers to redesign structures with stronger materials like advanced high-strength steel.
• 😀 The IIHS's publicizing of crash test results helped accelerate safety improvements, with automakers working to meet or exceed safety standards to avoid public backlash.
• 😀 The evolution of car safety technologies, including crumple zones, airbags, and stronger steel, has made modern vehicles significantly safer, reducing the risk of serious injury or death in crashes.

Q & A

Why did the 1990 Volvo fail in a crash test despite its reputation for safety?

The 1990 Volvo failed because the seemingly tough metal structure was crushed during the crash, highlighting that older safety designs, like the Volvo's, were not as effective in modern crash tests compared to newer cars with advanced safety features.

What is the concept of 'crashworthiness' introduced in the video?

'Crashworthiness' refers to how well a car's design and safety features work together to protect the passengers during a crash. This concept shifted the focus from just individual safety components to overall protection in a crash scenario.

How did early car safety designs like the Ford 56 Lifeguard steering wheel try to protect passengers?

The Ford 56 Lifeguard steering wheel was designed to cushion impacts by being shatter-resistant and double-jointed, allowing it to give way during a crash. However, the design was ultimately ineffective and was quickly discontinued.

What were the major flaws in the car safety regulations before the 1966 safety bill?

Before the 1966 safety bill, automakers were required to meet basic equipment standards but didn’t need to prove that their cars were genuinely safer. This led to many cars still being dangerous despite meeting the regulatory requirements.

What was the role of the 1966 car safety bill in improving vehicle safety?

The 1966 car safety bill mandated that cars undergo rigorous crash tests, requiring manufacturers to ensure that safety features, like the steering wheel, actually protected passengers during crashes, leading to major safety improvements.

What was the function of pretensioners in seat belts during crashes?

Pretensioners in seat belts tighten quickly during a crash to pull the passenger back into the proper position, preventing injuries from both the impact and the airbag. They help ensure the seatbelt holds the passenger securely.

Why were airbags considered dangerous in the 1980s despite their potential for safety?

In the 1980s, airbags caused injuries and fatalities because passengers were too close to the airbag when it deployed, or they slid under the seatbelt during a crash. The combination of seatbelt pretensioners and airbags helped mitigate these risks.

How did the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) influence car safety standards?

The IIHS used public crash tests, such as the offset test, to pressure automakers into improving vehicle safety. Their tests became a major driver for innovation, leading to stronger cars and a shift from government-led regulations to industry-driven safety standards.

What was the impact of the IIHS's 'Top Safety Pick' award?

The IIHS's 'Top Safety Pick' award became a prestigious distinction for automakers, signaling that a car had passed stringent safety tests. Earning this award was a strong marketing tool, pushing companies to improve their vehicles' safety features.

Why did the Honda Fit fail a new IIHS crash test, and what does this mean for its safety?

The Honda Fit failed a new IIHS crash test that directly impacted the driver’s compartment, revealing a design flaw not previously tested. Despite its earlier safety ratings, this flaw made the car borderline safe, prompting the owner to consider an upgrade in the future.