Background A major upgrade of FMVSS 214 requires satisfactory performance in a dynamic side impact test for a percentage of cars in model years 1994-96, for all cars starting in model year 1997 and for all light trucks under 6000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating starting in model year 1999. The upgraded FMVSS 214 aimed to reduce fatal thoracic injuries when a car is struck in the side by another vehicle. Even before the rule was issued, manufacturers improved test performance, or phased out poor performers, especially among 2-door cars. Phase 1 of this evaluation showed that 2-door cars with good test performance had lower fatality risk in side impacts than poor performers. The manufacturers have provided NHTSA with detailed lists and diagrams showing what changes were made to achieve compliance during the phase-in period (viz., structure plus padding, padding only, or minor changes only). Since 1997, NHTSA has supplied consumers with information on side impact test results (at a higher speed than the basic FMVSS 214 compliance test) as part of the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Objectives Phase 2: Evaluate the change in side-impact fatality risk after FMVSS 214 vs. just before the standard: for all cars, by car type (2-door vs. 4-door), by type of vehicle modification (structure plus padding vs. padding only), and as a function of how much the test criterion TTI(d) was reduced when the standard was implemented in a make-model. Estimate the consumer cost of vehicle modifications in response to the new standard. Phase 3: Study the correlation between test results on Side NCAP and fatality risk in actual side-impact crashes.

Approach Phase 2: The Phase 1 evaluation report includes the analysis plan for Phase 2 and describes, on a year-by-year basis, the vehicle modifications made in response to FMVSS 214. A database of TTI(d) performance, for post-standard and pre-standard cars will be assembled from compliance tests of post-standard cars and matching tests of pre-standard cars. Based on FARS, NASS and R.L. Polk registration data, the side-impact fatality rate will be compared in make-models before vs. after the implementation of FMVSS 214. Fatality rates can be computed per vehicle exposure year, relative to a control group of frontal crashes, or per 100 towaway crashes (NASS only). Phase 3: A database of TTI(d) performance will be assembled from Side NCAP tests (higher speed than FMVSS 214 compliance tests). The correlation between Side NCAP scores and actual fatality risk will be analyzed by methods similar to the Phase 1 report.

Status The Phase 1 report was published in 1999. Cost analyses based on "teardown" have been completed. The test criterion TTI(d) was measured in seven pre-standard make-models for comparison with results in compliance tests for vehicles meeting FMVSS 214. Phase 2 may require 2-3 years and Phase 3, 4-5 years until sufficient crash data accumulate.