Crash tests have long been a crucial tool in making our roads safer. Now, a new test is giving us even more insight into how accidents affect our bodies, especially our brains. This breakthrough could change how we design cars and how we understand injuries after a collision.
What the new insights tell us
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is exploring a new crash test metric called Diffuse Axonal Multi-Axis General Evaluation (DAMAGE) to better assess rotational brain injuries. This metric, initially used by the NFL for helmet evaluations, captures the rotational forces experienced during crashes, which can lead to concussions and other brain injuries.
DAMAGE provides a more comprehensive evaluation by considering the timeline of successive impacts, like what happens to someone’s head after initial contact with an airbag. The metric offers insights into previously undetected injury risks and potentially harmful head motions.
By incorporating DAMAGE into vehicle safety ratings, the IIHS aims to encourage improvements in airbag designs and enhance overall vehicle safety. However, the agency has not yet officially adopted or incorporated it into their vehicle safety ratings. The metric will be monitored, with scores recorded in technical reports starting this year.
Influence on car designs and purchases
These insights are not just academic; they have practical implications. Car manufacturers can use the data to design safer vehicles. By understanding the specific conditions that lead to head injuries, they can develop features that better protect occupants. This can include:
- Improved airbags
- Stronger car structures
- New technology to lessen crash impact
Knowing which vehicles perform well in these tests can influence buying decisions. Consumers can choose vehicles that prioritize brain safety in the event of a crash or collision.
By shining a light on the invisible forces that contribute to brain injuries, tests like these pave the way for safer vehicles on Seattle’s roads and, ultimately, a reduction in crash-related brain injuries. This means safer streets for everyone: drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.