In a fascinating examination conducted by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), it has been discovered that the weight disparity between vehicles can significantly influence the outcome of a collision. To illustrate this, let’s delve into a specific test that took place in March 2018. During this examination, two automobiles, namely a 2018 Kia Forte sedan and a 2016 Kia Sorento SUV, were purposely crashed into each other at a velocity of 40 miles per hour, imitating a near head-on crash scenario. It is worth noting that the sedan was considerably lighter than the SUV, with a weight difference of a whopping 928 pounds.
Upon analyzing the aftermath of the collision, the IIHS determined that the forces experienced by the driver dummy in the sedan were substantially higher in magnitude compared to those endured by the dummy in the SUV. This disparity in forces had significant implications for potential injuries sustained by the driver.
The post-crash analysis concluded that there was a high probability of head injuries for the driver of the Forte, along with likely injuries to the leg and possible injuries to the neck and chest. Conversely, the test dummy in the Sorento SUV exhibited mostly favorable injury measurements, aside from a possible injury to the right leg. Additionally, the sedan exhibited visibly more damage compared to the SUV.
Joseph Young, the spokesperson for the IIHS, shared valuable insights regarding the test results. He stated, “To put it simply, the 2018 Forte demonstrated impressive performance in crash tests and proved to be an exceptionally safe option within the realm of small cars. However, the additional weight carried by the Sorento pushed the boundaries of what the smaller car could effectively manage. As a result, there was an increase in structural intrusion and a heightened risk of injury, despite both vehicles traveling at the same speed.”
Supporting these findings is a noteworthy study published in 2011 by the National Bureau of Economic Research. This study revealed that even a mere 1,000-pound variation in weight between vehicles leads to a substantial 47% escalation in the probability of a crash becoming severe.
These insights shed light on the critical role that weight differences play in the context of vehicle collisions. It is imperative for individuals to consider these factors when selecting their vehicles, as they can significantly impact the overall safety of the occupants. The pursuit of safety on the roads demands a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play, with weight distribution emerging as a crucial component in ensuring the well-being of drivers and passengers alike.
#VehicleSafetyAwareness
#CrashImpactAnalysis
#WeightDifferenceMatters
Get More Great Car Videos – Subscribe: https://goo.gl/BSIaFc
