U.S. DOT Calls for Help in Updating Vehicle Safety Tests

The Department of Transportation (DOT), in concert with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is seeking recommendations from the auto industry and consumer and safety advocates on ways to improve the government's five-star auto safety rating system, known as the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

The DOT and NHTSA are revising the nearly 30-year-old test system to accommodate for modern automotive technology. The DOT and NHTSA have proposed the addition of upper leg injury qualifications to the frontal impact tests and head injury qualifications to the side impact tests, but still seek advice on how to best update the tests for today's automotive technology.

"While we have made some strong and sweeping recommendations for strengthening this system, we know that we don't have a monopoly on good ideas." said Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation. "When it comes to saving lives and preventing injuries, there is always room for improvement"

The period for public comment officially ends April 10.

CLICK HERE for the official news release.

CLICK HERE for further information on the current NCAP program.