This paper gives an overview of the passenger cars' rear seat safety. Accident experience for the rear seat is summarized, involving unbelted occupants and occupants wearing three-point belts and two-point lap-belts. Different means of improving the rear seat safety for both children and adults, in particular the centre position, are discussed. The three-point retractor belt is an important safety item. It has been available for the rear outer seating positions in some car models for several years. This has not been the case for the rear centre seating position. Two different types of three-point retractor belts for the centre position in sedan models are presented. A child cushion integrated in the folding armrest in the centre position is described. This child restraint has recently been introduced for sedan models. It is used together with a standard fitted three-point belt. (A)
Abstract