Abstract: A soft collision target, in particular for use within the framework of non-destructive collision tests, has an illumination device that comprises at least one illuminant and a covering structure, wherein the covering structure surrounds the illuminant and is configured to absorb forces acting on the illumination device on a collision and/or to conduct them at least partly past the illuminant.

Abstract: A method of conducting crash tests uses a crash-test carriage. The crash-test carriage is accelerated in accordance with a real deceleration curve to thereby simulate deceleration forces associated with a real collision, the crash-test carriage having a carriage drive apparatus associated therewith. The method includes the step of exerting an accelerating force on the crash-test carriage in an acceleration direction, the accelerating force exceeding a respective force required for acceleration in accordance with the real deceleration curve. The method also includes a step of exerting a braking force on the crash-test carriage in a direction opposite the acceleration direction in order to achieve a desired acceleration curve. The braking force is applied on one of the crash-test carriage and the carriage drive apparatus, the braking force being so large so as to accelerate the crash-test carriage in accordance with the desired acceleration curve.