Ever wonder what really happens in a car crash? PBS’s “NOVA” takes scientific inquiry to a whole new level—and speed—this Wednesday with a two-part special, “Ultimate Crash Test.” The first episode, “Countdown,” offers a behind-the-scenes look at an unprecedented experiment: a massive, orchestrated car pileup.
Forget crash test dummies; this experiment uses remote-controlled cars driven by eight real people at 70 mph. The goal? To study real-world crash conditions, gathering data normally lost in the chaos of uncontrolled accidents. By carefully controlling the variables, “NOVA” seeks to uncover exactly how cars and drivers behave in these situations, hoping to improve car safety in the process.
The sheer ambition of this experiment makes it worth watching. Seeing the team prepare, calibrate, and finally execute this massive crash test is like witnessing a high-stakes science fair project on steroids. It’s all about getting good data, capturing every possible data point amidst the controlled mayhem. This controlled chaos seeks answers.
Part one of “Ultimate Crash Test: Countdown” airs Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 PM ET on PBS.
