Using tests that mimic real-world low-speed crashes, IIHS concludes that most bumpers do a poor job of protecting vehicles from expensive damage
Background
Each car run into barrier that mimics design of car bumper
Barrier 18 inches off ground in full-width tests, 16 inches off ground in corner impacts
Reducing damage requires bumpers to engage barrier, absorb impact energy
Most bumpers didn’t stay engaged, can’t absorb energy of even minor bumps