Given the vastly differing physical proportions of adult vehicle occupants across the population, it is conceivable that they will suffer different injuries in a motor vehicle crash relative to their differing physical proportions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of occupant Body Mass Index (BMI) and body weight on the injury severity of front seated adult occupants in frontal motor vehicle crashes. This is the first study using real-world Australian data to investigate this issue. In-depth crashed vehicle data collected by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) were analysed. Differences in injury severity were compared against BMI and weight and analysed against other relevant variables including measurements of crash severity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risk of moderate to critical injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale - AIS2+ injury) was significantly related to lower occupant BMI, and higher equivalent barrier speeds of the crashed vehicle. This paper outlines the importance for vehicle safety testing standards and injury prevention strategies to consider the needs of adult occupants who differ from the designated test standard physiological dimensions. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215375.
Abstract