The need for a consumer information on car safety is growing
steadily. Up to now, the consumer information about crash-tested
new cars has been provided, but this should be supplemented by
safety ratings based on real-world accidents which reflect all
types of accident circumstances.
The possibilities and limits of the necessary
""Quality Criteria for the Safety Assessment of Cars
based on Real- World Crashes'' are analyzed in an EU
project in cooperation of research institutes, industry and
universities.
The paper summarizes the results of three major objectives
within this ""SARAC'' project.
- The existing rating procedures worldwide have been analyzed
and are described by their methods and the assessment
criteria/crash parameters used. The output results of the different
ratings are compared with respect to the correspondence of the
rankings produced by each method.
- The interrelationship between prospective (for example
EuroNCAP) and retrospective rating systems is being investigated.
Results from Australia, US and Europe represent the first
experiences available, suggesting it is likely that correlations
can be established.
- The paper finally outlines possibilities to integrate the
aspects of crash compatibility and vehicle aggressivity in a
comprehensive overall rating system. The methods for measuring
aggressivity have been tested on databases and the necessary
parameters will be outlined. Possibilities for an improved
international comparison of safety rating results based on real
accidents and necessary future steps are discussed.