- Career Evolution:
Joanne started her career nearly 30 years ago when car safety was still in its infancy. "Back then, cars were just getting airbags, and seatbelt technology was evolving," she notes.
- Eye-Opening Experiences:
The early years presented harsh realities, including crash tests on ill-equipped vehicles like the Rover Mini, which left lasting impressions.
Joanne's passion for engineering began after a pivotal experience at a Women in Science and Engineering event at 16, prompting her to pursue a mechanical engineering degree. Her inquisitive nature was instrumental in shaping her career trajectory.
- Leadership Role:
Transitioning into management, Joanne witnessed the evolution of crash safety. Her role involves overseeing both a team of 60 professionals and an array of sophisticated dummies used in crash simulations.
- Tech Innovations:
Recently, the lab introduced a £380,000 camera capturing moments at 10,000 frames per second, and the facility underwent a significant expansion.
Horiba MIRA is now the UK's first lab capable of conducting advanced Euro NCAP car-to-car impact tests:
- Testing Protocol:
Cars collide at 50 mph with varying overlap scenarios. "A 50 percent overlap is more severe than a head-on collision," Joanne explains, highlighting how impact energy channels affect vehicle integrity.
Joanne's ultimate goal is to diminish road casualties. "Over the last 30 years, I've seen significant safety advancements, and it feels like a new era of crash testing," she reflects.
Joanne Smith is a trailblazer in automotive safety, constantly striving to create safer vehicles. Her contributions in crash testing reflect her unwavering commitment to innovation and road safety.
 | Joanne's work is truly inspiring! With advancements in safety testing, we can look forward to even safer vehicles on the road. Let's hope the future of driving is even brighter! |
