Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Expanded Testing Facility

IIHS Opens Expanded Testing Facility Dedicated To Crash Avoidance

The $30 million expansion of the Vehicle Research Center (VRC) was made possible through the support of IIHS member companies. The centerpiece is a 5-acre covered track, one of the largest fabric-covered structures in North America, which will allow testing to continue rain or shine. Six fabric panels supported by steel trusses arc over the 700-foot-by-300-foot track and are supported by 18 concrete piers, which weigh a total of 7,000 tons and contain more than 39 miles of steel reinforcement bars.

From BodyShop Business

IIHS - LogoThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has opened an expanded testing facility that will enable it to evaluate the latest crash avoidance technologies year-round. The $30 million expansion of the Vehicle Research Center (VRC) was made possible through the support of IIHS member companies.

The centerpiece is a 5-acre covered track, one of the largest fabric-covered structures in North America, which will allow testing to continue rain or shine. Six fabric panels supported by steel trusses arc over the 700-foot-by-300-foot track and are supported by 18 concrete piers, which weigh a total of 7,000 tons and contain more than 39 miles of steel reinforcement bars.

An existing outdoor track was expanded, bringing the total area of track, including the covered section to 15 acres. A new office and conference space also was part of the project. IIHS is best known for the crash tests it conducts to evaluate how well vehicles protect occupants in the event of a crash. The tests comprise the core of the Institute’s vehicle ratings program, which pushes manufacturers to continually improve the crash-worthiness of their vehicles.

“Now we’re entering an exciting new phase focused on technology that can prevent crashes from occurring in the first place,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “With the expanded facility, IIHS can more quickly evaluate new features that promise to move us closer to the goal of zero crash deaths and injuries.”

IIHS already rates front crash prevention systems. Recently, researchers at the VRC have been looking at how well those systems can identify pedestrians. Ratings of headlight systems, including those that swivel in response to steering, also are on the horizon. The institute has developed robotic equipment to help simulate real-life potential crashes for safe and accurate testing.

“Advanced technology that can prevent many kinds of crashes is the next frontier of auto safety,” said Neal Menefee, chairman of the IIHS board of directors. “Insurers are proud to support IIHS as it expands its research programs and facilities to undertake new work that will make our roads safer.”

IIHS states that although advanced features may one day eliminate most crashes, it is essential that vehicles continue to include a high level of crash protection. The new emphasis on crash avoidance, IIHS says, doesn’t mean that it will curtail its crashworthiness testing. IIHS believes that vehicles still need improvement in this area, pointing to the fact that many models continue to lag behind in the small overlap front crash test it introduced in 2012.

You May Also Like

I-CAR, SCRS Release Collision Repair Tech Satisfaction Report

The survey of 800 collision repair techs showcases their opinions on compensation, culture and career opportunities.

In response to the growing challenges faced by the collision repair industry in retaining and attracting skilled technicians, I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, in collaboration with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), engaged with Ducker Carlisle, a global consulting firm, to conduct a technician satisfaction survey researching their opinions on compensation, culture and career opportunities. The white paper showcases the perspective of collision repair technicians and aims to better understand their sentiments and career outlook while identifying key factors influencing their workplace satisfaction.

WIN Announces Speakers & Programs for 2024 Conference

The conference will feature an array of speakers as well as sessions on repair planning, financial literacy and fostering a welcoming culture in the workplace.

WIN-Conference-2024-2
Evercoat, ASE Partner on Collision Repair Education

Evercoat will provide educational opportunities and resources for instructors, students and active technicians pursuing careers in collision repair.

Evercoat Partners with ASE to Support Collision Repair Education
I-CAR’s Collision Careers Launches Digital Ad Campaign

The campaign is aimed at attracting talent to the industry and showcasing the benefits of a career in collision repair.

I-CAR-collision-careers
CenterOak Partners Announces Sale of CollisionRight

CollisionRight has grown to become the sixth-largest collision repair operator in the US.

Valvoline Inc. has announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its Global Products business to Aramco.

Other Posts

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Three Veterans and Single Mom

The Palm Springs recipients add to the nearly 400 NABC Recycled Rides presented in California since the program was founded.

NABC-Recycled-Rides
Certified Collision Group Enters Canadian Market

CCG also announced that 15-year industry veteran Rebecca Fyfe will lead the efforts in Canada as vice president of sales, Canada.

Certified-collision-group
Bosch Joins CAPA’s Tier 1 Replacement Parts Verification Program

Bosch intends to submit its ultrasonic parking sensors for CAPA verification.

Repairify, Autel to Add New Collision Solutions

Repairify’s remote services and OEM tool scans will be integrated with Autel’s Remote Expert platform.