Abstract
The speed change (Delta V) and the principal direction of force (PDOF) on a vehicle in an accident can be taken together to form a useful measure of accident severity. Many studies have correlated the combined effect of these with the statistical probability of an injury of a certain type and severity according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). The usefulness of this concept is enhanced by considering the effective Delta V and PDOF at occupant locations in a vehicle by taking into account the effect of the vehicle rotation. The method of calculating the Delta V at the occupant location is presented in this paper. (A)