The project aim was to investigate the correlation between vehicle design and the nature and severity of occupant injuries. The project involved a major literature review and the detailed investigation of 43 rollover crashes with injury severity ranging from non injury to fatal. The main conclusions based on the literature review and re-analysis of results from experimental roll-tests, was that the weight of evidence is in agreement with a relationship between roof crush and occupant injury. The crash investigations generally supported these conclusions, but also identified roof design factors which could lead to spinal injuries in cases of low levels of intrusion. Recommendations for vehicle design changes are made, including: side window integrity; improved roof framing strength; modified geometric design of door/roof framing; interior energy absorbing padding; improved restraint system design and improved door integrity. Additional experimental and analysis work is recommended to clarify occupant kinematics in rollovers and resultant head and spinal loads. (A)
Abstract