FMVSS 214 Crash Test Requirements and MGA Research Corporation's Contribution

Side impact collisions and off-the-road crashes are some of the deadliest types of car accidents one can experience. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, angle collisions alone caused over 9,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021. To address this issue, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 214 mandates two crash test requirements that passenger cars and light trucks must satisfy to demonstrate their safety before being authorized for road use. The first test mode, known as the Moving Deformable Barrier (MDB) test, emulates a T-bone collision involving two moving vehicles. The second test, referred to as the side pole test, simulates a scenario where a driver loses control of their vehicle and collides with a rigid pole, such as a tree or electrical pole. MGA Research Corporation has a long history of conducting both tests and has even contributed to the research and development of the side pole crash test methodology specified in the safety standard.

The MDB test is conducted by propelling a 3,000-lb cart towards a stationary test vehicle at a 27-degree angle, generating a severe side impact collision. The front of the cart incorporates a deformable barrier designed to accurately imitate the crush characteristics of a typical car. During the MDB test, dummies are positioned in the driver seat and left rear second-row seat, whereas the side pole test utilizes a test dummy solely in the driver seat.

Figure 1: Crash Test Cart equipped with Deformable Barrier
Figure 1: Crash Test Cart equipped with Deformable Barrier

The side pole test entails moving a test vehicle along a mobile floor towards a rigid pole, resulting in an impact at a 15-degree angle that aligns with the test dummy's head position. The mobile surface is equipped with roller-coaster-style wheels, facilitating precise and seamless movement of the vehicle along the track. The low height of the flying floor, positioned only 8 inches above the ground, serves to mitigate potential damage to vehicles that may dislodge from the floor due to the impact.

Figure 2: Low Profile Flying Floor and Impact Pole
Figure 2: Low Profile Flying Floor and Impact Pole
Figure 3: Test Vehicle during a Left Side Rigid Pole Impact Test
Figure 3: Test Vehicle during a Left Side Rigid Pole Impact Test

Since 2010, updated side impact dummies have played a crucial role in conducting tests, specifically the 50th percentile male ES-2re and the 5th percentile female SID IIs. These advanced dummies incorporate enhanced instrumentation in critical areas including the head, ribs, abdomen, and pelvis, thus enabling more precise measurement of the forces experienced during a crash. The improved instrumentation has led to the establishment of more comprehensive injury criteria regulations aimed at enhancing occupant safety. Consequently, manufacturers have been motivated to innovate and develop new technologies, including seat airbags and curtain airbags, aimed at reducing injuries observed in side impact collisions and off-the-road crashes. These technological advancements have resulted in the creation of safer vehicles.

Figure 4: Side Impact Test Dummy during calibration
Figure 4: Side Impact Test Dummy during calibration

At MGA, we take pride in regularly conducting both side pole and MDB tests at our facilities in Alabama and Wisconsin. Leveraging our expertise in FMVSS 214, we are committed to making a positive impact on road safety on a daily basis. For further details on our side pole and MDB testing services, please contact kyle.blane@mgaresearch.com. We look forward to serving you and contributing to a safer driving environment.