The key innovation in the updated rules will be a new type of crash test involving a collision with a moving barrier that deforms and overlaps 50% of the car's width. In this test, the car at a speed of 50 km/h will hit a trolley weighing 1400 kg, which will move towards it at the same speed — 50 km/h.
In addition, the requirements for protection in side impacts will be tightened. Particular attention will be paid to preventing the driver's head from colliding with the front passenger's head, and the presence of a central side airbag, which is still extremely rare in car equipment, will bring additional points.
Furthermore, checks of automatic braking systems will be strengthened, including a new scenario simulating emergency situations at intersections. Euro NCAP will also expand the assessment of "post-crash safety": the operation of eCall emergency call modules, door lock blockers, and how easy it is to get out of the car after an accident will be checked.
The "staff" of drivers will also be updated: a new THOR-50M dummy from Humanetics will appear behind the wheel of test cars, simulating an adult male of "average dimensions".
