An expansion on crash test dummy testing, support for cancer patients, and autonomous vehicle testing were among the items being promoted by automakers recently.

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[naviga:li]Starting in 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is planning to place crash test dummies in vehicles' rear seats as part of their 5-Star Safety Ratings. Impact forces on these dummies are used to determine how well a vehicle can protect its occupants during a variety of crashes. Crash test dummies are currently used in side impact tests, but not frontal crashes. The updated procedure will help address concerns that rear seat safety features have not kept pace with those for the front seats, especially as ride sharing programs increase the possibility that a person will be in the rear seat during a crash.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Subaru is teaming up with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help support cancer patients across the United States. During the month of June, participating Subaru dealerships will invite visitors to share a message of hope for cancer patients in their community. These messages will be delivered along with blankets to local patients. The automaker expects to deliver more than 30,000 blankets by the end of the month.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Honda recently showcased its autonomous vehicle program at GoMentum Station, a proving ground for self-driving and connected vehicle technologies in Concord, California. The automaker says the demonstration shows the need to preserve the 5.9 GHz radio spectrum for the use of dedicated short range communications between vehicles. Honda is planning to debut a vehicle with practical automated driving technology by 2020. GoMentum Station is assisting with this goal by providing 20 miles of paved roads and simulated urban environments at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.[/naviga:li]

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