The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has completed its first ‘Far-side Sled Test’, bringing it in line with Euro NCAP 2026 safety protocols. With this, carmakers now won’t need to depend only on overseas labs.
For those unaware, ARAI has its own computer-based testing facility (CAE) where vehicle manufacturers can perform various simulations and testing to improve the safety quotient of their vehicles.
What Is The Far-side Sled Test?
- This test checks what happens to you when a car is hit from the side.
- This helps in evaluating how well the occupant-restraint system (seatbelts, airbags, and seat structure) protects you in such situations.
- In this test, the crash simulation is done using a moving platform (sled) and recreates the force your body feels during a side impact.
What Does It Mean For Buyers?
By complying with the Euro NCAP’s sled tests, future crash protocols will be stricter and more reliable. This means that the occupant-restraint systems of a car will be designed for utmost safety to reduce head clashes between occupants and limit body movements during a crash, making the vehicles safer than before.
Expect it to become part of Bharat NCAP’s official scoring system in the near future. As of now, Bharat NCAP allows sled test data in the form of knee mapping as supporting evidence in certain situations.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Fronx Crash Tested By Australasian NCAP; Result Is Unexpected
