Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The IIHS was founded in 1959 by three separate insurance groups—the Association of Casualty and Surety Companies, the National Association of Automotive Mutual Insurance Companies, and the National Association of Independent Insurers"Insurance Notes: Insurance Institute Created to Push Highway Safety," Chicago Daily Tribune (January 12, 1959), c5.—as a supporting entity to other academic and research organizations involving highway safety.{{Cite web |title=Insurance Institute for Highway Safety |url=https://thenewswheel.com/insurance-institute-highway-safety/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=The News Wheel |language=en-US}} Russell Brown served as the inaugural president of the IIHS until 1968, when its board of governors changed the IIHS to an independent scientific organization. The following year, Physician William Haddon Jr. assumed the position of IIHS president after the change, and the IIHS began conducting crash tests starting with the low-speed bumper test.

In 1972, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) was founded as a supporting organization to the IIHS, as was the latter's original purpose for other organizations. The HLDI compiles and publishes insurance loss statistics due to incidents such as traffic collisions and consequential damages depending on the vehicle type.{{Cite web |title=Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) {{!}} Insurance Glossary Definition {{!}} IRMI.com |url=https://www.irmi.com/term/insurance-definitions/highway-loss-data-institute |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=www.irmi.com}}

The IIHS and HLDI are interchangeably referred to as one entity (IIHS-HLDI) or separate entities by the organization itself.

File:CEF1802-04.jpg]]

File:2007 Ford Edge SEL Plus IIHS.jpg passed this test with the institute's highest rating, "Good". The tested Edge is displayed at the institute's headquarters as an example of a standout performer in a frontal offset crash.]]

File:1997 Pontiac Trans Sport SE IIHS.jpg had significantly worse performance in frontal offset crash test according to then-institute head Brian O'Neill compared to other contemporary minivans.{{cite news |last1=Shelsby |first1=Ted |title=Astro and GMC Safari do poorly in crash tests Windstar is only van to get good evaluation from Insurance Institute |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1996-11-20-1996325008-story.html |access-date=June 30, 2022 |newspaper=Baltimore Sun |date=November 20, 1996}} One of the tested Trans Sports is displayed at the institute's headquarters.]]

File:CEN1707-10.jpg is one of many vehicles that passed the institute's challenging small overlap test.]]

The IIHS evaluates six individual categories, assigning each a "Good", "Acceptable", "Marginal", or "Poor" rating before determining the vehicle's overall frontal impact rating.{{cite web|url= http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=safe&subject=crash&story=crashTesters|title=Cars.com|last=Weberillustrations|first=Bob|publisher=Cars.com|access-date=2011-11-13}}

The moderate overlap test (formerly frontal offset test), introduced in January 1995,{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/frontal-crash-tests|title=Frontal crash tests|publisher=Iihs.org|access-date=2017-10-08|archive-date=2017-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130159/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/frontal-crash-tests|url-status=dead}} differs from that of the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) in that its tests are offset. The NHTSA standards require vehicles to provide no injuries to occupants after a head-on impact into a fixed barrier at {{convert|30|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, not at an angle.{{cite news |last1=Mateja |first1=Jim |title=Mini-van Crash Tests Follow Air-bag Recipe for Paranoia |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-11-25-9611250120-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 30, 2022 |date=November 25, 1996}} The IIHS test exposes 40% of the front of the vehicle to an impact with a deformable barrier at approximately {{convert|40|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. This offset test represents approximately 0.04% of all car crashes and "is the equivalent of running a vehicle into a parked car at {{convert|75|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.

As with the NHTSA's frontal impact test, vehicles across different weight categories may not be directly compared. This is because the heavier vehicle is generally considered to have an advantage if it encounters a lighter vehicle or is involved in a single-vehicle crash. The IIHS demonstrated this by crashing three midsize sedans with three smaller "Good" rated minicars. The three minicars were rated "Poor" in these special offset head-on car-to-car tests in 2009, while the midsize cars rated "Good" or "Acceptable".{{cite web|url= http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr041409.html |title=New crash tests demonstrate the influence of vehicle size and weight on safety in crashes; results are relevant to fuel economy policies |website=IIHS.org |date=April 14, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090519074049/http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr041409.html |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |access-date=June 30, 2022}}

In December 2022 the IIHS updated the moderate overlap test to include a second crash test dummy seated behind the driver. The IIHS said that the advanced seat belt protections found in the front passenger seats, including crash tensioners and load limiters, should also exist in the rear passenger seats. Out of 15 small SUVs subjected to the new test, nine received an overall rating of poor due to high rear passenger injury measurements to the head, neck and chest.{{cite web |url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/iihs-changing-the-way-it-evaluates-vehicle-safety-to-include-backseat-passengers |title=IIHS changing the way it evaluates vehicle safety to include backseat passengers|last=Leigh|first=Heather|date=13 December 2022|website=abcactionnews.com|publisher=WFTS-TV|access-date=13 December 2022}}

On August 14, 2012, IIHS released the first results for a new test, called the "small overlap front test." The new test, which is used in addition to the 40% offset test introduced in 1995, subjects only 25% of the front end of the vehicle to a 40 mph impact against a solid, rounded-off barrier. As a result, it is far more demanding on the vehicle structure than the 40% offset test. In the first round of tests, composed of 11 midsized luxury and near-luxury vehicles, most vehicles did poorly; only three vehicles received "good" or "acceptable" ratings.{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/47/6/1 |title=IIHS raises the bar with new crash test |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2012-08-14 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130552/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/47/6/1 |url-status=dead }}

The rating system is similar to the 40% offset, but has some key differences: hip/thigh and lower leg/foot ratings replace individual ratings for each leg and foot, and a full score cannot be attained without deployment of front and side curtain airbags (due to the severe side movement often resulting from this test).{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr081412.html |title=IIHS.org |publisher=IIHS.org |date=2012-08-14 |access-date=2012-08-14 |archive-date=2012-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816143403/http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr081412.html |url-status=dead }}

A Medical College of Wisconsin study found small-overlap collisions result in increased head, chest, spine, hip, and pelvis injuries. This sort of collision is common on two-lane roads with two-way traffic where a center median is absent. Single vehicle crashes (into a tree or a pole) account for 40% of small-overlap crashes.{{cite web |url=http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/08/new-iihs-front-car-crash-test-promises-to-make-a-big-safety-impact.html |title=New car crash test promises to make a big safety impact |publisher=News.consumerreports.org |date=2012-08-14 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121019232458/http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/08/new-iihs-front-car-crash-test-promises-to-make-a-big-safety-impact.html |archive-date=2012-10-19 |url-status=dead }} According to the IIHS, 25% of frontal crash deaths are due to small overlap crashes, with the outer front wheel first to receive the impact forces rather than the more central crash absorbing structure.{{cite web|url= http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130307/OEM11/130309871/honda-volvo-models-get-high-marks-in-new-overlap-crash-tests |title=Honda, Volvo models get high marks in new overlap crash tests |publisher=Autonews.com |date=2013-03-07 |access-date=2017-10-08}}

The IIHS has since tested family cars,{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/47/10/1 |title=Family cars trump luxury models in new crash test |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2012-12-20 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130409/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/47/10/1 |url-status=dead }} compact cars,{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/48/6/1 |title=Small overlap front test challenges small cars |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2013-08-08 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130445/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/48/6/1 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/49/6/1 |title=Small car ratings vary in small overlap test |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2014-07-30 |access-date=2017-10-08}} minicars,{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/49/1/3 |title=Minicars fall short in tough frontal crash test |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2014-02-20 |access-date=2017-10-08}} small{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/redesigned-subaru-forester-aces-tough-new-crash-test-only-2-of-13-small-suvs-tested-earn-top-safety-pick- |title=Redesigned Subaru Forester aces tough new crash test |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2013-05-16 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008180241/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/redesigned-subaru-forester-aces-tough-new-crash-test-only-2-of-13-small-suvs-tested-earn-top-safety-pick- |url-status=dead }} and midsized{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/49/3/1 |title=Small overlap test stymies midsize SUVs |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2014-04-08 |access-date=2017-10-08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/50/4/1 |title=Midsize SUVs' ratings are mixed |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2015-05-12 |access-date=2017-10-08}} SUVs, minivans,{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/49/10/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123055518/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/49/10/1 |archive-date=2014-11-23 |title=3 minivans have dire crash test results}} muscle cars{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/51/5/1 |title=Muscle cars fall short of safety awards |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2016-05-24 |access-date=2017-10-08}} and large pickup trucks{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/51/4/1 |title=Pickups struggle with small overlap test |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2016-04-12 |access-date=2017-10-08}} through the small-overlap test.

In 2017, the IIHS began conducting this test on the passenger side of vehicles.

{{See also|Side collision}}

The IIHS introduced the side impact test in 2003. In this test, the test vehicle remains stationary while a four-wheeled sled, with a deformable barrier attached, strikes the side of the vehicle at {{Convert|31|mph|kph|abbr=on}}. This test is used to simulate the impact of a high-riding pickup or SUV on the subject vehicle.

In 2019, the IIHS modified the test by using a heavier sled, changing the barrier design, and increasing the impact speed from 31 to {{Convert|37|mph|kph|abbr=on}}. The IIHS cited the original test being unrealistic as the main reason for the modification.{{Cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a29864708/iihs-toughens-side-crash-test/|title=IIHS Safety Group Toughens Crucial Crash Test, Will Live-Stream One on Nov. 21|last=Atiyeh|first=Clifford|date=2019-11-21|website=Car and Driver|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-30}} This modified side test officially began in 2021. Out of 20 small SUVs tested in the new, tougher side impact tests, only one received a Good rating. In May 2022, the IIHS officially completed its test for the tougher, side crash test on 18 midsize SUVs. Ten midsize SUVs earned good ratings, two more with Acceptable ratings, and six with marginal overall ratings.{{cite web |url=https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/small-suvs-struggle-in-new-tougher-side-test |title = Small SUVs struggle in new, tougher side test}}

{{cite web | url = https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/most-midsize-suvs-perform-well-in-new-side-test | title = Most midsize SUVS perform well in the new side test}}

File:SWR1609-14.jpg]]

In the United States rollovers accounted for nearly 25% of passenger vehicle fatalities. Features such as electronic stability control are proven to significantly reduce rollovers and lane departure warning systems may also help. Rollover sensing side curtain airbags also help to minimize injuries in the event of a rollover.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/03/rollover-risks-iihs-announces-new-roof-crush-test.html|title=Blogs.consumerreports.org|date=2009-03-24|publisher=Blogs.consumerreports.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530151712/http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/03/rollover-risks-iihs-announces-new-roof-crush-test.html|archive-date=2010-05-30|access-date=2011-11-13}}

In the test, which was introduced in 2009, the vehicle rests on a platform while a hydraulic metal plate diagonally pushes on the roof area above the side windows. In order to get the highest rating, the vehicle must withstand a force equivalent to at least four times its curb weight before collapsing {{Convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/iihs-debuts-new-roof-strength-crash-test-small-suvs-rated-first/|title=IIHS debuts new roof strength crash test, small SUVs rated first|website=Autoblog|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}

The roof strength test was discontinued in 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iihs.org/ratings/about-our-tests|title=About our tests|website=IIHS|language=en|access-date=2024-04-03}}

In 2009, the IIHS celebrated its 50 year anniversary. To illustrate how much automotive safety has progressed in five decades, IIHS tested a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air crashing head-on, 40% offset with a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu at 40 mph.{{cite news|last=Jensen |first=Christopher |title=A 2009 Chevy Malibu Destroys a 1959 Bel Air -- Literally |url= https://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-2009-chevy-malibu-destroys-a-1959-bel-air-literally/ |date=September 17, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=January 17, 2018}} It put the video of the crash on the Internet and "the results were no surprise to anyone with a passing familiarity with cars."{{cite web|last=Northrup |first=Laura |title=Crash Test Wars: 1959 Chevy Bel Air VS 2009 Chevy Malibu |url= https://consumerist.com/2009/09/23/crash-test-wars-1959-chevy-bel-air-vs-2009-chevy-malibu/ |website=Consumerist |date=September 23, 2009 |access-date=January 17, 2018}} The Bel Air's occupant compartment was extensively damaged by the crash. Coupled with the car's lack of modern safety features such as airbags and seat belts, this resulted in the crash test dummy in the Bel Air recording forces that would have probably caused fatal injuries to a real driver. They "would not only hit the inside of the car and experience a large (and damaging acceleration) but the car would smash you on the inside."{{cite magazine|last=Allain |first=Rhett |title=Crash Test: 2009 Malibu vs. 1959 Bel Air |url= https://www.wired.com/2010/12/crash-test-2009-malibu-vs-1959-bel-air/ |magazine=Wired |date=December 18, 2010 |access-date=January 17, 2018}} Sophisticated engineering and high-strength steel give modern vehicles a huge advantage.

This tests the vehicle's driver seat to determine effectiveness of the head restraints.{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/rear-head-restraints-test |title=IIHS.org |publisher=IIHS.org |access-date=2014-05-27 |archive-date=2014-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527184421/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/rear-head-restraints-test |url-status=dead }} The driver's seat is placed on a sled to mimic rear-end collisions at 20 mph. Rear-end collisions at low to moderate speeds typically do not result in serious injuries but they are common.{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraints/headrestraints.aspx?toyota |title=IIHS.org |publisher=IIHS.org |access-date=2011-11-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108010542/http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraints/headrestraints.aspx?toyota |archive-date=2011-11-08 }} In 2005 the IIHS estimated 25% of medical costs were related to whiplash injuries.

The head restraint evaluation test was discontinued in 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iihs.org/ratings/about-our-tests|title=About our tests|website=IIHS|language=en|access-date=2024-04-03}}

In this test, an engineer drives the test car toward a rolling, cushioned box, which is used to simulate an actual car. The ratings, "basic", "advanced", and "superior", are awarded depending on whether the front crash prevention system meets government criteria, and if the system can reduce the speed or avoid the collision at both 12 and 25 mph (19 and 40. km/h).{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/front-crash-prevention-tests |title=Front crash prevention tests |publisher=Iihs.org |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2019-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514035412/https://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/front-crash-prevention-tests |url-status=dead }}

The IIHS runs this test in three different scenarios, each scenario having two different speeds for the tested vehicle.

• 1st scenario: A {{cvt|6|ft|cm|order=flip}} tall adult pedestrian walks perpendicular to oncoming traffic, and the tested vehicle must successfully autobrake enough to avoid hitting the pedestrian at {{cvt|12|and|25|mph|km/h|order=flip}}.
• 2nd scenario: A {{cvt|45|in|cm|order=flip}} tall child (average height of a 7-year-old child) darts out from behind two parked vehicles (the one closer to the child is a sedan, and the farther is an SUV), and the tested vehicle must successfully autobrake enough to avoid hitting the dart-out child at {{cvt|12|and|25|mph|km/h|order=flip}}.
• 3rd scenario: The same {{cvt|6|ft|cm|order=flip}} tall adult pedestrian walks parallel to traffic, and the tested vehicle must successfully autobrake enough to avoid hitting the pedestrian at {{cvt|25|and|37|mph|km/h|order=flip}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/new-ratings-address-pedestrian-crashes |title = New ratings address pedestrian crashes}}

In March 2016, the IIHS released ratings for headlight performance. Their first test involved family cars, and most earned marginal or poor ratings. Only one vehicle, the Toyota Prius V, earned a good rating when equipped with specific headlights.{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/first-ever-iihs-headlight-ratings-show-most-need-improvement |title=New IIHS ratings show most headlights are lacking |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2016-03-30 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130119/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/first-ever-iihs-headlight-ratings-show-most-need-improvement |url-status=dead }} The Institute evaluated headlights for small SUVs 4 months later, and none of the vehicles tested earn a good rating.{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/most-small-suv-headlights-rate-poor-in-iihs-evaluations |title=Most small SUV headlights rate poor |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2016-07-12 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130304/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/most-small-suv-headlights-rate-poor-in-iihs-evaluations |url-status=dead }} In October 2016, they released ratings for pickup trucks, and the Honda Ridgeline was the only pickup to earn a good rating on the headlights test when equipped with specific headlights.{{cite web |url=http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/most-pickup-trucks-have-poor-headlights-iihs-tests-show |title=Pickups fall short in headlight testing |publisher=Iihs.org |date=2016-10-25 |access-date=2017-10-08 |archive-date=2017-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906063752/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/most-pickup-trucks-have-poor-headlights-iihs-tests-show |url-status=dead }}

The Top Safety Pick (TSP) is an annual award to the best-performing cars of the year. As of the latest revisions to the award requirements in February 2023, a vehicle must receive overall marks of "Good" in the moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front and passenger-side small overlap front tests, as well as the side test that was updated in 2021. Additionally, the headlight rating criteria across all trims of a vehicle must either be "Good" or "Acceptable." Ratings for roof strength, head restraints and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention were previously part of the overall TSP evaluation, but were removed in 2023 as nearly all vehicles tested performed well in these categories. The Top Safety Pick+ award (TSP+) is given to vehicles that meet all the criteria for a Top Safety Pick and perform well in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash test, where some crash prevention systems may struggle due to low light conditions.{{cite web |url=https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/top-safety-picks|title=The IIHS Announces 2023 Top Safety Pick Winners|date=23 February 2023|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=23 February 2023|first=John M.|last=Vincent}}

• BeSeatSmart Child Passenger Safety Program
• Head injury criterion
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Insurance Institute for Highway Safety}}

• {{Official website|http://www.iihs.org/ }}

{{NCAP}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1959 establishments in the United States

Category:Organizations established in 1959

Category:Automotive safety

Category:New Car Assessment Programs

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Arlington, Virginia

Category:Road safety organizations