In Germany, safety belts have been mandatory even in heavy trucks since 1992. Although trucks have been since then equipped with suitable belts, only very few occupants use them. Accidents involving trucks are clearly pointing out a benefit of restraint systems. An investigation of 109 real life crashes has shown that ejected truck occupants face the greatest probability of being killed in an accident. A relevant scenario with the impact of a Mercedes-Benz Actros at a speed of 30 km/h on the rear end of a trailer platform was simulated in a crash test. The loads acting upon the occupants (Hybrid III dummies) were measured. The dummy in the driver's seat was restrained with a safety belt, while the co-driver's seat was occupied by a not-belted dummy. (Author/publisher)
Abstract