BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE IIHS CRASH LAB | TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #445

EV Channels Review

This episode of Talking Cars takes viewers behind the scenes at the IIHS crash test facility in Virginia, featuring an interview with David Aylor, VP of Active Safety. The discussion highlights the crucial role of IIHS in advancing automotive safety through rigorous crash testing and the evaluation of crash avoidance systems. Consumer Reports leverages IIHS data extensively, incorporating their crash test results, automatic emergency braking (AEB) performance, and headlight tests into their own comprehensive vehicle ratings. The episode emphasizes the evolution of safety from passive crashworthiness to active crash avoidance, with a focus on AEB, pedestrian detection, and emerging technologies like motorcycle and truck collision avoidance. The collaboration between IIHS and Consumer Reports is presented as a vital effort to push manufacturers beyond minimum standards and improve consumer safety. The review also touches upon the IIHS's Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus awards, explaining the criteria and how they help consumers identify safer vehicles. The distinction between IIHS/CR ratings and NHTSA's star ratings is clarified, with IIHS and CR noted for setting a higher bar. Looking ahead, the focus is on continued advancements in crash prevention, addressing bicycle and oncoming vehicle collisions, and critically monitoring vehicle automation and driver engagement.