Abstract
This report is part of a Federal Government initiative to reduce road trauma through road safety research. The aim of the review was to identify the causes of injuries to vehicle occupants and to help develop a cost effective strategy to reduce these injuries. This included analysis of actual injuries and a possible range of countermeasures. The main outcome of the review was the release of a new draft Australian Design Rule for frontal impact protection which is expected to bring about the introduction of emerging safety technology such as airbags into new vehicles. The review also recommends further work into side, offset frontal and rollover impacts together with examination of improved safety restraints and child safety.