Scary but true: IIHS releases new crash test video series

By Nick Jaynes Published May 26, 2013

IIHS crash test — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lots of automakers recently derided the IIHS for its new small overlap crash test after many brand-new models failed. After the automaker backlash, the IIHS created a new top safety score called “Top Safety Pick Plus,” so that it didn’t have to take away the “Top Safety Pick” rating from so many models already in the market place.

Realizing how few consumers actually understood what these crashes looked like, or what the rigorous IIHS crash tests entailed, the IIHS created a short YouTube video series explaining the various points of its work.

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At Digital Trends, crash testing has long intrigued us. Even for us, however, watching these videos was eye opening. While we get to drive brand-new cars regularly, many of our personal vehicles are getting on in years. If we’re honest, it made us a bit frightened to climb behind the wheel of our aging rigs.

We encourage all our readers to take a few minutes and watch the IIHS crash test videos. And we apologize in advance if you find yourself too afraid to get back out onto the open road for a while. Here’s a sample:

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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