MULTIVU VIDEO FEED: IIHS LAUNCHES NEW WHIPLASH PREVENTION TEST

MULTIVU VIDEO FEED: IIHS LAUNCHES NEW WHIPLASH PREVENTION TEST

PR Newswire

TO: NEWS PRODUCERS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS AND AUTOMOTIVE REPORTERS

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM ET

SD COORDINATES

HD COORDINATES

Galaxy 16

Galaxy 16

Transponder 21 – Slot 3

Transponder 21 – Upper

KU-Band

KU-Band

Downlink Freq: 12117 Horizontal

Downlink Freq: 12129 Horizontal

Bandwidth 6 MHz

Bandwidth 18 MHz

Symbol Rate: 3.9787

Symbol Rate: 13.235

Data Rate: 5.5

Data Rate: 18.2954

FEC: 3/4    

FEC: 3/4

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

SD COORDINATES

HD COORDINATES

Galaxy 16

Galaxy 16

Transponder 21 – Slot 3

Transponder 21 – Upper

KU-Band

KU-Band

Downlink Freq: 12117 Horizontal

Downlink Freq: 12129 Horizontal

Bandwidth 6 MHz

Bandwidth 18 MHz

Symbol Rate: 3.9787

Symbol Rate: 13.235

Data Rate: 5.5

Data Rate: 18.2954

FEC: 3/4    

FEC: 3/4

NEWS: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is launching a new seat and head restraint evaluation targeting neck injuries stemming from rear-end crashes. Only four out of the first 18 small SUVs tested earn a good rating. 

FORMAT: B-roll

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Videos, downloadable MPEG4, contact information and more available at https://www.multivu.com/iihs/93795141-iihs-launches-new-whiplash-prevention-test

STORY SUMMARY:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is launching a new seat and head restraint evaluation targeting neck injuries stemming from rear-end crashes. Only four out of the first 18 small SUVs tested earn a good rating. 

The good performers in the new whiplash prevention test include the Audi Q3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. Nine more models — the Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Taos and Volvo XC40 — earn acceptable ratings. The BMW X1 and Nissan Rogue are rated marginal, and the Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-50 are rated poor.

Like the Institute’s original head restraint evaluation, the new test involves a simulated rear impact that is less destructive than a crash test.

Analysis showed that several key metrics recorded at impact speeds of 20 mph and 30 mph provided useful information, so the new test uses separate acceleration pulses to simulate both types of crashes.

Measurements are combined to gauge three aspects of injury prevention: head and spine support, the interaction of the head with the head restraint, and how well the seat manages the energy transferred to the occupant’s body.

Generally speaking, the three poor-rated vehicles fell short in all three areas at both impact speeds and performed extremely badly in at least one. In contrast, the four good-rated vehicles provided excellent protection across nearly all the metrics at both impact speeds.

B-ROLL INCLUDES: Sled tests and other related footage, soundbites from Marcy Edwards, senior research engineer

SOURCE: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

FOR STORY INFO, CONTACT: Joe Young +1 504 641 0491 (cell)
FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL: STREAMS@MULTIVU.COM
This information is being sent to you by: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 4121 Wilson Boulevard, 6th floor, Arlington, VA 22203

/PRNewswire/ — Jan. 27, 2026/.