Cars will get lower crash test scores for intrusive assistants

Euro NCAP, the organizer of independent crash tests, will review the car test assessment protocols for 2026. First of all, it will affect the safety of sliding door handles and annoying warnings of assistance systems, writes Carscoops.

Car safety will be divided into four clear stages: safe driving, collision prevention, collision protection and safety after collisions. The final rating will depend on the highest scores in all these stages.

Sliding door handles are now required to remain functional even after a collision. Firefighters have repeatedly complained that the doors of some electric vehicles do not open after impact. This slows down rescue efforts and, in extreme cases, can lead to loss of life.

Crash tests will use dummies with different body types. Driver assistance systems will also be tested in real-world conditions. So far, most of the ADAS tests have been conducted on closed tracks, where these systems have shown excellent results. In reality, the lane-keeping system can jerk the steering wheel at the most unexpected moment, and constant beeps force drivers to turn off the assistants. Now the lane-keeping system that jerks the steering wheel will be penalized.

In addition, starting in 2026, cars will receive additional points for improved driver monitoring systems that actually monitor driver inattention, can detect signs of alcohol or drug intoxication and take action.

Cars with preserved physical buttons will be rewarded separately. In turn, electric vehicles will be required to warn drivers about the risk of battery fire even after a collision. Euro NCAP plans to update its protocols every three years starting in 2026.

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Earlier, on November 1, Professor of the Department of Automobiles at MADI, Associate Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences Vitaly Gayevsky announced the need for crash tests of personal mobility aids (SIM). This will make it possible to adjust the technical requirements for personal mobility equipment, increase their stability, and reduce the center of gravity.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.