CRASH TESTING UP AGAINST THE WALL

As consumers have become more safety conscious, so have automakers and the federal govermnent. The article discusses whether existing auto crash tests hold up well under rigorous safety examination. The basic models of crash tests are discusssed: 30 mph frontal crash test by automakers; and a 35 mph crash test by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The inadequacy of the tests and the dummies used are noted. The lack of tests to measure side impact is also noted. The importance of side-crash testing may grow as the installation of air bags blur differences among cars in frontal crashes.