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.