The Evolution of safety Standards: From Crashworthiness to Collision Avoidance

For decades, automotive safety has been primarily assessed through crash testing. Organizations like Euro NCAP, established in 1996, have played a pivotal role in shaping vehicle design by evaluating crash performance. Initially, the focus was on how well a car could withstand an impact, with manufacturers striving to create durable bodies capable of absorbing energy. The Renault Laguna was the first car to recieve a five-star rating.

However, as vehicles became increasingly adept at passing these tests, safety standards have become more stringent. Today, simply having a strong body isn’t enough. Since 2016, Euro NCAP has placed greater emphasis on active safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assist, giving them meaningful weight in the overall safety rating.

active vs. Passive Safety: A Delicate Balance

The shift towards active safety raises a essential question: are we prioritizing collision avoidance over occupant protection? While technologies that prevent accidents are undoubtedly valuable,some experts argue that a strong emphasis on passive safety – the ability of a vehicle to protect its occupants in a crash – remains paramount.

Ther are times when physical passenger protection is no longer the only safety factor. Now much attention is paid to preventing collisions and various systems that make decisions in the driver’s place.
Tom Timosko, Car Viewer

Consider the Dacia Jogger, a budget-friendly vehicle that received only one star in Euro NCAP testing. While its adult and child occupant protection scores were respectable, the lack of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) significantly impacted its overall rating. This highlights a potential issue: a car with a structurally sound design may receive a low rating simply due to the absence of electronic safety features.

The Hyundai santa Fe: A Tale of Two Ratings

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe provides another compelling example. The base model, without the optional safety package, received a four-star rating, while the fully equipped version earned five stars. Despite achieving excellent scores in crash tests – 84% for adult protection and 88% for child protection, comparable to luxury vehicles like the Range Rover – the absence of certain active safety features held back the base model’s rating.

the impression that physical protection is now less crucial than smart technology. In my opinion, physical protection shoudl continue to be priority, because that will protect us in the event of a real collision. Of course, electronic security systems allow you to avoid collision at all, but they are only useful if you work. Plus can also work inaccurately over time when the rider shuts down all systems at the time of the accident, the seat belts and the airbags.
Tom Timosko, Car Viewer

This raises concerns that the current rating system may mislead consumers into believing that a car with fewer electronic aids is inherently unsafe, even if it offers excellent crash protection. Furthermore, the effectiveness of active safety systems depends on their proper functioning and driver engagement. If these systems are disabled or malfunction, the vehicle’s safety relies solely on its passive safety features.

A Transatlantic Viewpoint: IIHS Prioritizes Crashworthiness

In the United States, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes a slightly different approach, placing greater emphasis on crashworthiness. The IIHS conducts a range of rigorous crash tests, including a challenging frontal collision test that can cause significant damage to the vehicle. Their evaluation scale is simpler, with ratings ranging from “Good” to “Poor.” Vehicles that perform exceptionally well are awarded the “Top Safety Pick” designation.

in 2024, the Hyundai Motor Group dominated the IIHS top Safety pick list, with 22 models earning the coveted award. These included Hyundai models ranging from the i20 to the Santa fe,as well as Genesis and Kia vehicles. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 were particularly noteworthy,earning recognition as some of the safest vehicles in both Europe and the United States. Other top performers included the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Genesis GV80, all equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems and demonstrating excellent front and rear protection.

Other vehicles achieving Top Safety Pick+ status include the Acura Integra, Toyota Prius, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mazda CX-30, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW X3, BMW X5, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC90.

The Road Ahead: Finding the Optimal Balance

As automotive technology continues to advance, finding the right balance between active and passive safety will be crucial. While electronic aids can undoubtedly reduce the risk of accidents, they should not come at the expense of robust structural design. Consumers deserve a clear and accurate understanding of a vehicle’s overall safety performance, encompassing both its ability to avoid crashes and its ability to protect occupants when collisions are unavoidable.