Modern Car Crash Tested Head On With 30 Year Old Car – Safety Difference Massive

Car-to-car head-on crash tests work much better in spreading awareness, as compared to just publishing the crash test data

Globally, car safety has witnessed significant improvements over the years. To demonstrate this in a realistic manner, US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a head-on collision test between a 2026 Chevrolet Blazer and an old 1996 Blazer model. The results effectively reveal how safety upgrades over three decades have helped save thousands of lives.

2026 Blazer vs. 1996 Blazer – Crash test results

With this crash test, the myth of safety associated with tank like heavy steel of old cars is clearly busted. Modern cars use more high-strength and lightweight steel and have crumple zones, which work better at absorbing the impact of a crash. So, while the impact area may appear completely obliterated, the cabin remains intact, keeping passengers safe.

In comparison, older cars may see their cabin collapse, trapping passengers inside and causing major injuries. Even when airbags may be deployed, the injuries to other parts of the body may be unavoidable with older cars. These scenarios have been clearly demonstrated in the head-on crash test of the 2026 Blazer and its 1996 version.

This test was conducted as part of the 30th anniversary of the IIHS crash testing program. Results reveal that the occupant compartment of the 2026 Blazer remained intact, even though the front section had suffered major damage. This shows the effectiveness of the specially designed crumple zones. It is clear that the driver of the 2026 Blazer would have survived this crash with minimal injuries like a few bumps and bruises.

In comparison, the occupant compartment of the old 1996 Blazer was found to be crushed in this test. As a result, the dashboard and steering wheel were pushed onto the dummy’s lap. Moreover, the impact caused the inflated airbag to be pushed towards the dummy’s chin. This impact caused the dummy’s head to be detached from the body. This may not happen in case of a real human, but the injuries will still be significant and likely fatal.

Saving lives through research

Founded in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has played a key role in improving safety of car users. An independent, nonprofit scientific and educational entity, the IIHS focuses on reducing injuries, deaths and financial losses resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles. Data available with IIHS reveals that their safety recommendations have helped save around 50,000 lives over the last three decades.

Crash tests conducted by IIHS have helped many carmakers to improve their safety systems. IIHS has also helped reduce the economic cost of accidents involving motor vehicles by around $538 billion. This is significant, considering that total funding provided to IIHS during this period was only around $600 million. IIHS has also started adding safety ratings for heavy-duty trucks, as part of its continued focus on reducing accidents, improving passenger safety and saving lives.