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.

Under a contract with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), insurance claim data were analyzed to assess the performance of automotive bumpers designed to conform to NHTSA's exterior protection standards for 5-mph impacts<!. l· These standards establish requirements for bumper protection of both safety and nonsafety items in low-speed collisions. Effective with model year 1980 passenger cars, requirements were added to minimize damage to the bumper face bar itself. Al though NHTSA has issued various standards for bumper performance since 1973, this study analyzed bumper systems conforming to the version of the standards in effect for model years 1980 through 1982. Although all bumpers manufactured during this period were required to meet identical protection standards, considerable variations in bumper performance were observed among different bumper designs and automotive manufacturers. Differences were also observed on the basis of market class and impact direction.