Abstract
In a collision of a low mass vehicle (600 kg LMV) against a typical compact car (1200 kg), both vehicles cruising at 50 km/h, the LMV will experience a delta V (speed change) of 20 m/s and a mean deceleration level of 45-50 g, approximately. The restraint systems of such vehicles must be adapted to this specific situation in order to guarantee a level of passive safety equal to current standards. The purpose of this study is to show that, in sled tests, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 and European occupant protection criteria can be met under the conditions encountered in a LMV, using appropriately adapted and optimised restraint system components regarding the severity of the crash situation under consideration. (A)