NHTSA - Smart gets high rating, but NHTSA raises safety concern

[Chassol]

Just in USA Today:


http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...ash-test_N.htm

[smartune]

Could send the driver or passenger flying, eh? Isn't that what seatbelt are for or are we looking at a 'worst-case' senario?

-Dan

[PassionforPassionCT]

It only a problem if you want a darwin award and dont wear seat belts. I have no pity for people who dont wear one.

[jwight]

[jwight]

Originally Posted by PassionforPassionCT

It only a problem if you want a darwin award and dont wear seat belts. I have no pity for people who dont wear one.

Agree seat belts are part of the solution; however, if the door(s) come open there's a good possibility of some part of the upper body being outside the car as it rolls or impacts with other objects. Not a good thing.

[MinnySmart]

Did they test the car with the doors locked or unlocked? I'd bet unlocked... and the doors automatically lock when driven... I wonder if that would have helped simply by disconecting the unlatching mechanism (or however that works)?

[Chassol]

MORE: http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/ or, if it works, - http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/...CRD&model=7473

[jwight]

S4.1 Hinged Side Doors, Except Cargo-Type Doors.
S4.1.1 Door Latches. Each door latch and striker assembly shall be
provided with two positions consisting of**
(a) A fully latched position; and
(b) A secondary latched position.
S4.1.1.1 Longitudinal Load. The door latch and striker assembly,
when in the fully latched position, shall not separate when a
longitudinal load of 11,000 Newtons (2,500 pounds) is applied. When in the secondary latched position, the door latch and striker assembly shall not separate when a longitudinal load of 4,450 Newtons (1,000 pounds) is applied.
S4.1.1.2 Transverse Load. The door latch and striker assembly, when in the fully latched position, shall not separate when a transverse load of 8,900 Newtons (2,000 pounds) is applied. When in the secondary latched position, the door latch and striker assembly shall not separate when a transverse load of 4,450 Newtons (1,000 pounds) is applied.
S4.1.1.3 Inertia Load. The door latch shall not disengage from the fully latched position when a longitudinal or transverse inertia load of 30g is applied to the door latch system (including the latch and its actuating mechanism with the locking mechanism disengaged).
S4.1.2 Door Hinges. Each door hinge system shall support the door and shall not separate when a longitudinal load of 11,000 Newtons (2,500 pounds) is applied. Similarly, each door hinge system shall not separate when a transverse load of 8,900 Newtons (2,000 pounds) is applied.
S4.1.3 Door Locks. Each door shall be equipped with a locking
mechanism with an operating means in the interior of the vehicle.
S4.1.3.1 Side Front Door Locks. When the locking mechanism is
engaged, the outside door handle or other outside latch release control shall be inoperative.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2...cfr571.206.htm

[smartune]

I've uploaded the videos to YouTube if anyone wants to take a quick look.

FRONTAL: 4 STARS!

YouTube Link

YouTube Link

SIDE: 5 STARS!

YouTube Link

YouTube Link

-Dan

[smartSparky]

Dang, I got beat on the smart aleck comments. Still, i'll simply add, wear your freakin' seat-belts, lock your doors and, oh, iI don't know, drive defensively!

(BTW I'll be 60 in July, learned to drive at 10 in an Isetta, Got my 1st car as a 12th birthday present and have NEVER had an accident. The best safety device is the one driving the car.)