This paper describes an extensive TNO Crash-Safety Research Centre research programme. The influence of incorrect use or misuse on the seat belt effectiveness is studied. Eight full-scale tests are performed with a car body mounted on an impact sled. The influence of variations in seat position and belt routing on adult and child dummy responses are studied. The effect of an additional driver airbag system on the dummy loadings is also analyzed. The results of the test programme are presented in terms of Ride-Down-Effect (RDE), dummy velocity-displacement curves, dummy contact with the car interior, and injury criteria. The injury criteria of the individual body parts are combined into one overall value. Injury probability analysis has been used to evaluate the effect of misuse configurations. A clear understanding of both the type of misuse and of the effect on occupant in juries have important implications for the design of protection systems, community actions (for instance governmental campaigns), and legislation.
Abstract