ANALYSIS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF 1981 AND 1982 AUTOMOTIVE BUMPERS ON THE BASIS OF BUMPER DESIGN AND MANUFACTURER.

The effectiveness of the crash-protecting automobile bumpers required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 5-mph impacts was studied through an analysis of insurance claims filed with the State Farm Insurance Company, Inc. Claims were analyzed for model year 1981 and 1982 vehicles. The performance of bumper systems was compared on the basis of bumper design and automotive manufacturer. Performance was measured on the basis of the proportion and average repair costs of insurance claims involving bumper damage. Other factors influencing bumper performance were studied including (a) criteria used to identify bumper damage claims, (b) market class, and (c) impact point.