Air bag restraints without concomitant seat belt restraints may not offer adequate protection for drivers in frontal automobile collisions. The National Accident Sampling System (NASS) data base was analyzed to determine the incidence of differing brain and facial injury patterns in frontal collisions for drivers using three different restraint types: a seat belt only; an air bag only; and a seat belt with an air bag. Analysis shows the probability of brain injuries and facial injuries to be higher for drivers protected only by air bags than for those restrained by only belt restraints. Laboratory sled tests conducted at the University of Virginia have identified the tendency of cadavers and dummies restrained only by an air bag to override the air bag and to contact the windshield. The National Accident Sampling System data confirms that actual collisions involving only air bag restraints also exhibit occupant contact with the windshield. The evidence suggests the need to emphasize the use of seat belts in conjunction with air bags and to develop a redesigned air bag that prevents windshield contact. (A)
Abstract