Field investigations of car crashes involving new model cars. those with the new safety features, indicate a marked increase in occupant safety. The new laminated windshield reduces the severity of facial injuries. Ejection is rare event in the newer model cars because of the improvement in the door locks. The energy absorbing steering column is decreasing injury severity even at impact speeds higher than those which previously produced fatal injuries. Knee-impacts no longer procedure serious leg-knee injuries. the ECE and the ECMF and their working program in the field of road safety are discussed as well. The article is concluded by details of research standardization and regulations in several European countries regarding protective helmets, seat belts, seat belt anchorages and safety glasses.
Abstract