NHTSA scraps plans for offset frontal impact test

NHTSA has decided not to pursue its plans for an offset frontal impact test, deciding instead to stick with the current 35 MPH full-width test. The concern was that the offset test would require that front crash structures be made significantly stiffer to survive the offset loading, which could lead to additional lower-body injuries in other types of crashes as a result. If you're interested in offset crash performance and want to factor that into your car-buying decision, you can check with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.