Toyota's Safety Test

Toyota's Safety Test

Crashworthiness



Toyota destroys more than 600 vehicles every year testing for safety



A comprehensive set of crash tests is conducted at the prototype stage, making use of sophisticated dummies equipped with scores of sensors.



The effects of collisions from a variety of angles are studied carefully, and modifications to the design are carried out based on the results.



Crash tests help determine the rigidity of the passenger compartment, as well as the energy-absorbing characteristics of the front and rear crumple zones.



Crash beads are strategically stamped into front and rear structural members. Under impact, they allow the metal to bend and fold in predetermined patterns, absorbing collision energy and protecting vehicle occupants.



Side impact beams between door panels provide added strength.



Toyota vehicles feature steering wheels and columns that are designed to help absorb energy, to cushion the driver from the full force of impact.

Air Bags



The air-bag supplemental restraint system works with the seat-belts to provide maximum protection during a collision. When sensors mounted in the vehicle detect a frontal impact of sufficient strength to require inflation of the airbag, it sends an electrical current to the airbag assembly. The current passes through the squib in the inflator, causing a filament to heat, which ignites the sodium nitride packed around the squib. The burning sodium nitride gives off a very large amount of nitrogen gas, which flows through a filter... and inflates the airbag, cushioning the driver's head and upper torso.



All this occurs within a fraction of a second. These photos were taken approximately one-tenth, three-tenths, and six-tenths of a second after impact



On the production line, air bags are among the most scrutinized components. Every single one is inspected three times before final connections are made. And electronic connections for the air bag system have gold-plated terminals, making them immune to corrosion.

Anti-Lock Brakes



The anti-lock braking system, or ABS, uses sophisticated electronics to help avoid wheel lock-up during hard braking. Speed-sensors, located at each wheel, monitor wheel rotation. When they sense differences in speed that may indicate potential wheel lock-up, the ABS computer automatically adjusts brake pressure, and pulses the brakes, preventing the wheels from locking up.



Without ABS, the brakes tend to lock up in a panic stop, resulting in a loss of steering control. With ABS, once you hit the brake pedal, the system reacts to the different traction of each tire at any given moment, and pumps the brakes automatically. This keeps each tire rolling, no matter how hard the driver pushes on the brake pedal. ABS pumps the brakes much faster than a human ever could... and pumps each wheel individually, something a human cannot do.