Offset Deformable Barrier

This document amends 49 CFR Part 587 by adding specifications for an offset deformable barrier. This barrier is used in offset deformable barrier tests to evaluate the crashworthiness of vehicles. In this type of test, one side of a vehicle's front end is crashed into a barrier with a deformable face that absorbs some of the crash energy. Adding the offset deformable barrier to Part 587 is the first step toward using it to evaluate the crashworthiness of vehicles. The issue of specifying use of the barrier as part of the performance requirements of specific safety standards is being addressed in separate rulemaking documents, most notably those concerning requirements for advanced air bags.