The 2002 Honda CR-V earned the federal government’s top rating of Five Stars in all frontal and side impact tests, according to information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a part of its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Tests were conducted on CR-V models equipped with and without side airbags. Both models achieved top marks for all tests conducted. NHTSA tests vehicles in the most common injury causing crashes—frontal and side impacts. In frontal tests, vehicles are crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, while in side impact tests, a deformable moving barrier impacts the vehicle’s side at 38.5 mph. A vehicle’s performance is given a rating of one to five stars, with five stars being the best level of crash protection. All 2002 CR-Vs feature dual seatbelt pre-tensioners for front passengers, dual–stage front airbags, three-point seat belts and headrests for all three rear seat passengers, “LATCH” system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), and front seat side airbags (standard on EX models, available on LX models). The side airbags feature Honda’s Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) which monitors the size and position of the occupant to determine if it is safe to deploy the airbag. The CR-V was completely re-designed for the 2002 model year. Extensive use of high tensile strength steel create a “smart linked” unit body structure featuring multi-directional cross members. These cross members act to redirect impact forces away from the passenger cabin. In a frontal impact, the energy is divided between the parallel side frame and sub-frame. In a side collision, the floor, middle floor and rear cross members absorb most of the impact energy, helping to prevent B-pillar deformation. The structural systems on the 2002 CR-V work together to provide “all-around protection” to efficiently absorb the energy of an impact, according to Honda.