TESTING TIMES - New car safety has never been better, thanks largely to Euro NCAP's test programme. This is how the tests are done

摘要

Hundreds of cars have been crash tested by Euro NCAP since the first results were published in 1997. As consumers have become more aware of the programme, car makers have designed and built safer cars to obtain a better rating. Five-star results are becoming more and more common, then, but from this year it has become harder to get that top score. Since the beginning of this year, the main result no longer only reflects the car's ability to protect the adult occupants in the front seats. Now the overall score includes how well the car can protect child occupants and pedestrians, and minimise whiplash injuries. 'Safety assist' features, such as electronic stability control and seatbelt reminders, are also included in the overall result.