Honda Safety Story
Honda strives to be a company that “society wants to exist,” one that creates products and introduces technology that will benefit the general public. This effort is most evident in Honda’s safety innovations.
Honda is dedicated to making roads safer for all drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Owning two of the most sophisticated crash test centers in the world, it’s no wonder Honda is a continuing leader in airbag technology, collision compatibility, and pedestrian safety.
Honda remains at the forefront of advanced airbag technology, creating the first front passenger airbag that deploys vertically rather than directly toward the passenger. Additionally, all Honda and Acura models are equipped with innovative side curtain airbags.
In addition to airbags, Honda recognized the need to further protect against collisions between cars of different sizes, heights, and weights. As a result, Honda produced Advanced Compatibility Engineering. (ACE ??) Body type on the 2005 Acura RL. The ace ?? The structure provides greater safety to passengers if an incompatible frontal collision occurs. Today, 19 of the 21 Honda and Acura models use the ACE ?? technology.
However, drivers and passengers are not the only people who need automotive protection. Pedestrians also have the potential to be affected by vehicle collisions. But before formulating any technology to protect pedestrian safety, Honda wanted to understand the fundamentals of pedestrian collisions first.
Consequently, one of the most advanced pedestrian crash test dummies in the world was created – POLAR II. This innovative crash test dummy made it possible for Honda to add features like folding hood hinges and detachable wiper pivots to decrease pedestrian injuries during a collision.
And the crash tests don’t stop at POLAR II. Honda boasts two of the best crash test facilities in the world: the Tochigi facility in Japan and the R&D facility in Raymond, Ohio. Tochigi was the world’s first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash test center, leading the industry in creating safety features for pedestrians and occupants. Additionally, the Raymond facility showcases the world’s first crash test sled that successfully simulates head-on collisions for more accurate testing. Certainly, these crash test centers greatly aid Honda’s mission of bringing the best safety features to the market.
If all of these innovations aren’t enough to demonstrate Honda’s dedication to safety, surely its many safety awards are. Using the recently updated safety rating criteria, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) awarded the 2011 Honda Accord the first Overall Vehicle Rating of 5 stars, as well as a 5-star rating for crash categories. front, side and overturn. Additionally, the 2011 Honda Odyssey is the first minivan to be awarded a 5-star overall vehicle rating by the NHSTA. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the 2011 Odyssey a “Best Safety Pick” rating. Clearly, all the hard work Honda has put into safety technology has been recognized, and for good reason.
In 2003, Honda launched a “Safety for All” campaign that led to the safety innovations Honda is known for today. In 2006, Honda made a commitment to include a standard package of advanced safety features in every vehicle, regardless of cost or size. In a world of crunching numbers and rewards, Honda has decided that safety is the true bottom line.