Full-Size Trucks Flunk IIHS Side Crash Tests
That big impenetrable feeling you get when driving a full-size pickup can be a false impression. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its results for a trio of full-size half-ton pickups: the Dodge Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (and GMC Sierra 1500). All essentially flunked the side-crash tests.
The new-for-2009 Dodge Ram received a "Marginal" rating (third out of four), despite its standard front and rear head curtain airbags. No side torso airbags are offered. The Ram would've been a "Top Safety Pick" with a better side rating since its frontal-offset and rear protection scores were rated "Good." The Nissan Titan also received a "Marginal" rating when equipped with its optional side curtains and front occupant side torso airbags. Without those airbags, its score dropped to "Poor."
The Silverado and Sierra received a "Poor" rating for models with and without the optional side curtain airbags. According the IIHS, the Silverado's score reflects "a combination of a poor side structure plus the lack of side torso airbags. The truck's optional side curtain airbags are designed to protect occupants' heads, and these worked well. But occupants' upper bodies remain unprotected even with the optional side curtains."
The IIHS side crash test is conducted using a standardized barrier traveling at 31 mph that represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Whether it is a Chevy Silverado or Chevy Cobalt, the striking barrier remains the same. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two crash test dummies, the assessment of head protection technologies and the vehicle's overall structural performance.
The Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150 are considered "Top Safety Picks," receiving the best possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and rear crash tests.
The full IIHS news release, including a graph of crash results
- Posted by
- James Riswick February 11, 2009, 10:45 AM
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- Car Safety
So frustrating that so many people will still refuse to listen when I tell them that their "safe" truck or SUV really isn't as safe as a good passenger car...people are determined to believe that mass is the cure to all their safety problems.