There is graphic new evidence about the dangers of a midsize car getting hit broadside by an SUV.

Side impact crashes are the second most common fatal crash type after frontal crashes. But more side airbags could prevent many deaths.

An American group, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, conducted the latest crash tests, simulating SUV collisions with 12 popular mid-sized sedans, at a 52 km/h impact.

SUVs, or sport utility vehicles, have higher hoods. Upon impact with a smaller vehicle, those hoods can strike a driver's or passenger's head. In the United States, about 10,000 die each year in such side-impact crashes.

"Most vehicles are not offering effective protection against these impacts," says Adrian Lund, the institute's chief operating officer.

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, when equipped with optional side airbags, were the only inexpensive midsize cars to earn good ratings in side impact crash tests.

Results in the same two cars without airbags were poor. "The heads of the driver dummies were struck by the intruding barrier, resulting in high injury measures," the report said.

The group rated the Chevrolet Malibu with optional side airbags as "acceptable."

Other car models that earned poor ratings: The Suzuki Verona, Mazda 6, Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring, Nissan Altima, Saturn L Series, Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima, and Mitsubishi Galant.

The insurance group is recommending that cars be built with stronger side structures, and that side airbags be mandatory.

"The airbags can make the difference between life and death," says Raynald Marchand of the Canada Safety Council.

The auto industry is voluntarily moving in that direction, promising to provide side impact protection in all cars by 2010.