IIHS Crash Test Ratings Reveal Rear Passenger Safety at Risk in Small Pickups
Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 AutoThe latest crash test ratings released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have raised concerns about the safety of rear passengers in small pickups.
According to the IIHS, none of the five small crew cab pickups tested received a good rating, with the Nissan Frontier earning an acceptable rating, while the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma were all rated as poor.
The IIHS introduced an updated moderate overlap front test last year after research indicated that the risk of fatal injuries for belted occupants in the rear seats of newer vehicles is now higher than for those seated in the front. This shift is due to the increased safety measures implemented in the front, such as improved airbags and advanced seat belts that are typically not available in the rear. The back seat remains the safest place for young children, who can be endangered by deploying front airbags.
The IIHS researchers have also developed new metrics that focus on injuries most commonly observed in back-seat passengers.
These findings highlight the importance of manufacturers addressing rear passenger safety in small pickups, focusing on improvements in restraints and structural integrity to mitigate potential injuries. The IIHS hopes that these crash test ratings will motivate industry-wide enhancements to protect occupants seated in the rear of small pickups, ultimately reducing the risk of severe injuries in the event of a collision.
