From a series of comparative offset crash tests with five different passenger cars of the subcompact mass class, the measurement data of foot loads and objectives of the footwell intrusion are reported. Loads in terms of resultant acceleration range in a wide spread on 200 up to 1000 g. The extent of footwell reduction is fairly correlated with the loads. The inner foot position is mostly subjected to generally higher loads. From the loading mechanisms some injury preventional proposals of an advanced design in the footwell area can be derived. As a contribution to different existing measurement procedures for the foolwell reduction, a more sophisticated volumetric evaluation method is proposed. proposed. Footwell intrusion, foot loads and foot injuries with relatively severe consequences are highly correlated. Progress of internal safety can be established by means of an advanced deformation measuring method as a tool for a developed and more injury preventive design. (A)
Abstract