Minivans, a favored choice among parents, are expected to excel in the realm of family safety, particularly in their second-row seating arrangements. However, they appear to be falling short of expectations in this crucial aspect.
According to the recent assessments conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), none of the four minivan models subjected to rigorous testing have managed to secure an acceptable or good rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test. This test, which now places a heightened emphasis on back seat safety, has revealed significant shortcomings in the Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, and the Honda Odyssey.
In the latest evaluations, the Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna received a marginal rating, while the Honda Odyssey fared even worse with a poor rating. One notable deficiency common among all but the Sienna is the absence of seat belt reminders for the second-row seats, a concern raised by IIHS earlier this year.
David Harkey, the President of IIHS, emphasized the criticality of back seat safety, especially in vehicles like minivans, which are favored for family transportation. He expressed disappointment in the automotive industry’s delayed adoption of advanced safety technology for second-row occupants, given their vital role in transporting families.
This focus on back seat safety was prompted by research demonstrating that in newer vehicles, belted occupants in the second row face a higher risk of serious issues than those in the front. This phenomenon is not indicative of a decline in second-row safety but rather a significant improvement in front-seat safety due to enhanced airbags and advanced seat belts. These safety advancements are often unavailable in the back row. It’s important to note that this rating doesn’t apply to younger passengers properly secured in safety seats, as they remain safest in the back seat.
The updated test protocol involves positioning a second dummy in the second row, located behind the driver. The driver dummy simulates an average-sized adult man, while the rear dummy represents a small woman or younger passengers. New metrics have been introduced to assess injuries frequently observed in back seat passengers.
To secure a good rating, a vehicle must not pose an excessive risk of head, neck, chest, or thigh injuries to the second-row dummy. Additionally, the dummy should maintain proper positioning during the crash, preventing “submarining” under the lap belt, which can lead to abdominal injuries. The head should remain at a safe distance from the front seatback, and the shoulder belt should remain on the shoulder, maximizing its effectiveness. A pressure sensor on the rear dummy’s torso monitors the shoulder belt’s position during the crash.
Consistent with the initial test, the vehicle’s occupant compartment structure must ensure adequate survival space for the driver, and measurements from the driver dummy should not indicate an elevated risk of injury.
While all four minivans provide commendable protection for front-seat occupants, they encounter multiple issues when it comes to the second row. Jessica Jermakian, IIHS vice president of vehicle research, expressed her concern, noting that the restraint systems in these minivans expose second-row occupants to chest injuries due to excessive belt forces or poor belt positioning, which can potentially be life-threatening.
Among the four vehicles, only the Sienna, rated as marginal, is equipped with belt pretensioners and force limiters, designed to mitigate belt forces. However, during testing, the rear dummy submarined beneath the lap belt, and the shoulder belt migrated toward the dummy’s neck.
In the case of the Carnival and Pacifica, both rated as marginal, the seat belt exerted excessive force on the dummy’s chest. Additionally, the Pacifica’s side curtain airbag did not deploy as expected.
The Odyssey, with a poor rating, presented the most concerning findings. Forces on the rear dummy’s head and neck were notably higher, and the crash video demonstrated that the rear seat belt allowed the dummy’s head to approach dangerously close to the front seatback, increasing the risk of head injuries.
In conclusion, while minivans remain a popular choice for families, their safety performance in the second row, as highlighted by IIHS, reveals areas in dire need of improvement. With an evolving focus on back seat safety, automakers are urged to prioritize the implementation of advanced technologies to safeguard the lives of second-row occupants, ensuring that these beloved family vehicles truly live up to their reputation as safe and reliable transportation options.
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