‘Fatal’ crash test busts old car myth

This graphic video demonstration at a modern lab shatters the myth that older cars stack up well in an accident. It makes for sobering viewing.

Safety technology has come a long way in the 30 years since ANCAP started crash testing cars in Australia.

The safety body marked the anniversary of its first assessments by re-crashing one of the first cars it tested, a 1993 Mitsubishi Magna sedan.

ANCAP crashed a 1993 Mitsubishi Magna to mark its 30th anniversary.

The results make for grim reading.

A head-on crash test in controlled conditions found that a driver in the 30-year-old car “would face a high risk of serious or fatal skull fracture and brain injury resulting from hard contact on the steering wheel without the cushion of an airbag,” according to the safety body.

“High injury measurements were also recorded for the driver’s upper and lower legs and pelvis, with moderate injury risk for the chest.

“The rear passenger would also have sustained serious injuries – slipping beneath the lap portion of the seatbelt with crash forces transferred across the abdomen.”

ANCAP crashed a 1993 Mitsubishi Magna to mark its 30th anniversary.

ANCAP invited a handful of people who own 1993 model cars to witness the crash.

Charlie Munns, a car enthusiast who drives a 1993 Ford Falcon, said he believed that bigger, older cars were safer than smaller, newer models.

“When I bought my car, I chose it because I thought it was bigger and stronger than a compact car,” he said.

ANCAP crashed a 1993 Mitsubishi Magna to mark its 30th anniversary.

“But seeing the results of this crash have made me realise that size and shape are somewhat irrelevant.

“What makes the difference are the safety improvements that have been introduced over time.”

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said modern airbags, crumple zones, pyrotechnic seatbelts and other developments could save the lives of drivers and their passengers.

“We’ve seen vehicle safety advance in leaps and bounds over the past 30 years as a result of ANCAP’s persistence and ability to influence consumer-driven change,” she said.

ANCAP crashed a 1993 Mitsubishi Magna to mark its 30th anniversary.

“Our founders were originally met with strong resistance from vehicle manufacturers, yet today, they’re the ones bringing forward new and innovative ways to prevent road crashes.

“Back then, the cars we drove were just regular cars. We didn’t think twice about what safety they offered, or didn’t offer.

“Today, the Australian consumer is well-informed and empowered with the tools to make safer vehicle choices, and the age of your vehicle can make all the difference.”