The injury patterns of 223 drivers and 91 front passengers who were fully restrained and sustained at least one injury of AIS (Abbreviated Injury Scale) 2 or greater in Canadian traffic accidents were investigated. Overall, the head/face and chest were the most frequently injured body regions. For drivers, facial injuries were invariably associated with the steering wheel, while head injuries were more closely associated with interior side and roof structures. Injuries to the shoulder/chest and pelvis/abdomen regions among drivers were usually attributed to direct contact with either the steering wheel or the vehicle's interior side surfaces. Passengers were more likely to have sustained shoulder/chest and abdominal injuries from the seat belt itself. Injuries to the lower extremities consisted largely of knee, lower leg, and ankle-foot fractures; femur fractures occurred only in the most severe collisions. In the absence of any intrusion or rear occupant loading of the front-seat back, injuries were generally below AIS 4. It is concluded that while further reductions in fatal or life-threatening injuries will require major vehicle structural improvements, further reductions of AIS 2 and 3 injuries appear possible via more careful design of the seat belt and interior structures.
Abstract