This paper compares the number of installed restraint technologies in the front seat with the number installed in the rear seat, and how this has changed over time. Analysis was conducted by reviewing the technologies available in top-selling Australian vehicles, including model years from 1994 to 2009. The average total number of technologies per vehicle for front seat occupants increased from 2.28 to 6.93 over the study period, while rear seat technologies increased from 2.07 to 3.10. These data suggest that technologies in the rear seat have not been introduced at the same rate as the front seat and there is scope to improve rear seat occupant protection and push for further consumer assessment of the safety of the rear seat. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E218699.
Abstract