A new study conducted by the German automobile club ADAC challenges the longstanding assumption that higher speed collisions are inherently more dangerous. Surprisingly, it revealed that a car crash at 35 km/h exerts greater pressure on the chest area of crash test dummies compared to a collision at 50 km/h. This finding raises serious concerns, particularly for elderly passengers, as the heightened chest pressure may lead to more severe injuries in lower-speed accidents. Given these results, from next year, Euro NCAP's testing protocol will incorporate a 35 km/h crash test scenario to better reflect real-world accidents.

The research further examines how automobile manufacturers adapt to crash test methodologies. Historically, European cars have shown enhanced structural reinforcements precisely at points deemed critical according to the Euro NCAP offset test parameters. However, the adaptation to these defined crash parameters is expected to be broader than previously assumed. This necessitates an evolution in testing methods to ensure vehicles provide adequate protection in the unpredictable scenarios encountered in real-life accidents, rather than just in standardized testing conditions.

The ADAC's recent testing with a Chinese vehicle, the MG3, highlights the proactive steps taken towards modifying crash tests. Unlike the traditional speed of 50 km/h, the tests were conducted at a lower speed, demonstrating the shift in approach and emphasizing the importance of updating testing scenarios to enhance vehicle safety. As car manufacturers adjust to these changes, it will be vital to monitor the efficacy of these updates in reducing real-world injuries and fatalities.