The auto industry safety research and development has two basic justifications. The first is to ensure that vehicle design is such that mechanical failures do not cause accidents. Improvements in brakes, lighting, visibility have been the result of this effort. The second justification is the prevention of injury in the event that an accident does occur. Since drinking or inattentive drivers have not and probably cannot be controlled, this aspect of vehicle development will be of continuing importance. This second area of development has prospects that proof of the efficacy of the modifications can be obtained. A description of the research carried out by the Cornell Automotive Crash Injury Research Program in proving the reduced injury traceable to improved door latches is given. The use of lap and shoulder belts is also indicated and it is suggested that governmental and law enforcement agencies lead in this area by example. Improvements in the energy absorption characteristics of vehicle interior parts are also discussed. Many of the tests used in evaluating these improvements are described.
Abstract