Every year in the US about 8,000 fatalities occur in side impacts, and about 9,500 fatalities occur in vehicle rollovers. Severe head trauma and spinal cord injuries are the prevalent traumatic injuries that are directly related to the extent of inward crushing or intrusion into the occupant's "survival space" and to the rigidity and shape of interior edges and surfaces. Based on accident evaluations and assessment of available technologies, there are feasible and practical advanced design features for vehicle bodies and interiors that can concurrently enhance both side-impact protection and rollover roof-integrity protection|: strengthened vehicle body; strengthened doors; multi-layer laminated floorpans; roof tubular members; wrap-around stronger seats; energy-absorbent closed-cell padding; side airbags and side window glass-plastic glazing. (A)
Abstract