Abstract
In this paper some trends in side impact occupant protection and their effects on future products are examined, from the perspective of a global manufacturer of cars and trucks. Interactions of side impact protection improvements with other societal goals such as fuel efficiency and the environment are studied. Emerging technologies are discussed such as side air bags, the potentially adverse consequences of international disharmony of side impact regulations, and the benefits of global agreement on injury mechanisms and injury criteria. Finally, the need for a family of anthropomorphic test dummies is stressed. (A)