Vehicle Safety: Pole Side Impact Test by IDIADA

IRIS Knowledge Talks: Pole Side Impact Test

In the automotive industry, it is widely recognized that a significant portion of resources is dedicated to researching regulations and comparing their requirements. The IRIS Knowledge Talks, powered by IDIADA's Regulatory Information System (IRIS), has been launched to provide you with essential knowledge about automotive regulations.

The Pole Side Impact simulates a vehicle crashing into a fixed object, with contact in the line of the head of the seated driver. The impact of the pole results in greater penetration into the side of the car compared to a side impact between two vehicles.

The impact of the pole results in greater penetration into the side of the car compared to a side impact between two vehicles.


This first video in the “IRIS Knowledge Talks” series provides a general overview of how the Pole Side Impact test is conducted in Europe and the USA, explained by our top technical experts. 

  • Marta Anglès, IDIADA Manager and Passive Safety Technical expert, shares her technical knowledge about how this test is performed according to UN Regulation 135, established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). 
  • On the US side, Andreas Sprick, IDIADA Senior Manager of Passive Safety & Product Manager for US Certification, provides his insights into how this test is conducted in accordance with FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) 214 S9
  • Finally, Jesús Parejo, Regulatory Engineer at IRIS, demonstrates how the key aspects of this regulation are described and organized within the IRIS Knowledge Base.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Pole Side Impact test and its procedures. For further information, please feel free to contact us at iris@idiada.com.