Euro NCAP Crash Tests
New car crash tests and car safety ratings
The AA was a founder member of the independent European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) launched in 1997. Since then Euro NCAP has tested and rated more than 300 new car models.
Test results and safety ratings are published in groups, based on size/weight categories.
New rating system
From February 2009 Euro NCAP has introduced a new overall safety rating with a maximum award of five stars.
This new rating is made up from scores in four areas of assessment: adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian protection and a new area, 'safety assist'.
Adult occupant protection
The adult occupant score is based on the protection of adult size dummies in frontal, side and pole impact tests.
A new rear impact/whiplash test is also introduced from 2009.
Child occupant protection
Euro NCAP uses 18 month old and 3 year old sized dummies in the frontal and side impact test. The child restraints used are those recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Pedestrian protection
Euro NCAP has always done pedestrian protection tests but the results have only been published as a separate star rating.
By including pedestrian protection in the new overall rating, Euro NCAP hopes to encourage improvements in vehicle performance in this area.
Safety assist
The new 'safety assist' rating will allow Euro NCAP to take account of driver assistance and active safety systems.
Points are awarded for fitment of electronic stability control and for the presence of a 'driver-set' speed limitation device. Euro NCAP continues to reward fitment of intelligent seat belt reminders.
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2 March 2009