NHTSA Maintains Frontal Crash Test System

Washington DC December 20, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided to maintain the current system used for frontal crash tests amid government recommendations for an upgrade.

.Announcing its decision, NHTSA says it will keep the current 35 mph test for frontal crashes "until we have established the sound science necessary to provide a basis for revising the program."

A report by the Government Accountability Office in April said the crash test program, started in 1978, needs upgrades to remain in sync with the growth in popularity of SUVs and light trucks.

Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers spokesman Eron Shosteck said the industry supports more research and analysis of the data to find ways of improving the system.