Does NHTSA conduct any low-speed crash tests of bumpers and rate their relative performance?
NHTSA does not conduct low-speed impact crash tests of bumpers to rate their comparative performance due to the costs associated with this type of program. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts yearly tests on a number of models for bumper ratings (in terms of strength and repair cost). Information can be obtained through their web site at: http://www.hwysafety.org or at (703) 247-1500. The agency’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) conducts yearly crash tests to provide consumers with information about levels of protection when the vehicles are tested in a frontal barrier crash and when struck in the side by a moving barrier device. The ‘star’ ratings that reflect performance on these tests would better assist a consumer seeking to select a safe vehicle. These ratings can be obtained through our web site at: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov • Why are bumpers on light trucks or SUVs higher than the those on passenger cars? Bumpers are typically higher on light tru
