Crash tests are controlled collisions used to evaluate a vehicle's safety. They are run by government agencies and independent organizations around the world. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration runs the New Car Assessment Program, which scores vehicles on frontal, side, and rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety runs its own tests, including the small overlap front test, which is particularly demanding.

A crash test uses instrumented dummies that measure the forces on the head, neck, chest, and legs. High-speed cameras capture the impact at thousands of frames per second. Engineers analyze the deformation of the structure, the timing of airbag deployment, and the movement of the dummies. The results are scored and published, and consumers use them to compare vehicles.

The tests have changed cars. In the 1990s, many vehicles had poor side impact protection. Now, side airbags and stronger structures are standard. The small overlap test, introduced in 2012, exposed weaknesses in many vehicles and prompted redesigns. Automakers engineer to the tests because ratings affect sales.

Crash tests are not perfect. They simulate specific crash types, not every possible accident. Real-world crashes involve different speeds, angles, and vehicle sizes. But the tests have saved thousands of lives, and they continue to raise the bar.