Three tests according to regulation ECE-R80 (bus occupant safety) were carried out as a first series, as part of a work package activity to develop simulation models of buses, the interiors of these buses, and of the occupants. These activities are part of the ECBOS project, an European Union funded research project, set up to improve the passive safety of bus passengers. The first three experiments tested the structural strength of certain seats and they measured the injury risk occupants are subjected to. The resuits show that: • the strength of the attachment of the seats to the floor determines to a large extent the occupant loading severity. How a bus operator or driver installs and fastens the seats makes a big difference in terms of injury risk. • the use of lap belts reduces the risk of leg, and possibly of pelvis injury, but does not improve head and neck protection. Under certain circumstances, the injury risk may even be increased. • Unbelted passengers are subjected to lower risks if the seat forward to them is occupied by another, belted, passenger. (Author/publisher)
Abstract