Abstract
Nineteen sled impact tests were conducted simulating a frontal collision exposure for an unrestrained driver. The deceleration sled buck configuration utilised the passenger compartment of a late model compact passenger vehicle, a rigid driver's seat, and a custom fabricated energy-absorbing steering column and wheel assembly. The purpose of the study was to investigate the kinematics and kinetic interaction of the driver and the energy-absorbing steering assembly and their relationship to the thoracic /abdominal injuries produced.