Crash testing is a safety evaluation process used to assess how well vehicles protect their occupants during a collision. During these tests, cars are deliberately crashed into barriers or other vehicles at various speeds. Engineers analyze the results to understand how the vehicle's structure and safety features, like airbags and seatbelts, perform in real-life accidents.
The data collected from crash tests helps manufacturers improve vehicle design and safety standards. Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct these tests and provide ratings that inform consumers about the safety of different car models.