NHTSA and IIHS are making top crash test safety ratings harder to get in order to differentiate and reward more advanced automakers and pressure others to do better. IIHS is advancing standards faster because, unlike NHTSA, it doesn’t have to consider financial impact on the auto industry.
Background
Insurance Institute is safety-research arm of insurance industry
Record 84 vehicles earned top safety pick in 2009
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration part of US Department of Transportation