Title: Rear-Seat Safety Concerns: IIHS Rates Midsize Pickups in Crash Tests

Introduction

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted its updated moderate overlap frontal crash test on several modestly sized pickups. The results revealed that rear-seat passengers in these vehicles may not be adequately protected. The IIHS rated the Nissan Frontier as “acceptable,” while crew-cabbed versions of the Ford Ranger received a “marginal” classification. The Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma, all four-door versions, were given “poor” ratings. This article explores the findings of the IIHS crash tests and highlights the need for improved rear-seat safety in midsize pickups.

The Evolution of Pickup Truck Safety

Pickup trucks have come a long way in terms of passenger safety. Crew cabs, which offer more seating space, were not always the norm. In the past, regular cabs with basic bench seats lacking shoulder restraints were common. Vintage extended cabs, such as the Chevrolet S-10 “Maxi-Cab,” had inward-facing jump seats with lap restraints that would be considered inadequate by today’s standards. However, this progress should not deter us from continuously testing new models to ensure optimal safety.

IIHS Crash Test Methodology

During the IIHS crash test, the pickups were pulled along a 600-foot track and collided with a barrier, with 40 percent of the impact hitting the front of the vehicle at 40 miles per hour. Dummies, including a child-sized one in the rear seat, were used to assess the impact on occupants. The dummies were painted to identify contact points with the interior and equipped with sensors to estimate force. Multiple cameras inside the cabin captured the event.

Concerns Raised by the IIHS

The IIHS expressed dissatisfaction with the restraint systems in the back seats of most midsize crew cabs. The rear passenger dummy’s head came dangerously close to the front seatback in all tested pickups, posing a risk of neck or chest injuries. The IIHS President, David Harkey, emphasized the need for improvement in rear seat belts.

Individual Pickup Safety Ratings

The IIHS provided safety ratings for each midsize pickup tested:

1. Chevrolet Colorado: Poor rating due to a high risk of neck and chest injuries.

2. Ford Ranger: Marginal rating due to the rear dummy submarining beneath the lap belt, increasing the risk of internal injuries.

3. Jeep Gladiator: Poor rating due to the absence of side curtain airbags, increasing the risk of injury from hard impacts.

4. Nissan Frontier: Acceptable rating with concerns about chest, head, and neck injuries.

5. Toyota Tacoma: Poor rating with a moderate risk of neck and chest injuries.

The Need for Rear Restraint System Updates

The IIHS has made rear restraint system updates a priority, similar to its previous focus on headlight glare. The organization aims to encourage manufacturers to improve rear-seat safety in midsize pickups. While the IIHS has not tested every vehicle currently on sale, it is essential for consumers to conduct their own research to make informed decisions about vehicle safety.

Conclusion

The IIHS crash tests on midsize pickups have revealed concerning safety issues for rear-seat passengers. The ratings indicate that improvements are needed in the restraint systems of these vehicles to minimize the risk of neck, chest, and head injuries. Manufacturers must address these concerns to ensure the safety of occupants. Consumers should stay informed about the latest safety ratings and conduct thorough research before purchasing a vehicle. The IIHS’s focus on rear-seat safety is expected to continue in the coming years, driving further improvements in pickup truck safety standards.