Bumpers

• The design of an automobile bumper includes bumper impact shock absorbers or a resilient structure behind the bumper to absorb the impact of a collision at either the front or rear of the vehicle. The Insurance Service Bureau explains federal standards require testing of bumpers at specified speeds.
  
  

Standards

• The first federal standard was introduced in the early 1970s as an impact with a barrier at 5 mph; the Insurance Service Bureau explains the vehicle was not allowed to sustain any damage during the impact. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety explains the current standard for automobile safety was introduced in 1982, and does not cover pick ups, SUVs or vans.
  
  

Test

• According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, vehicle bumpers are tested with two collisions to the rear and front bumper at speeds of 1.5 mph and 2.5 mph. During these impacts unlimited damage is allowed to the bumper, but none to surrounding areas such as headlight, steering systems and trunk doors.