Rear-end impact sled tests were performed with the aim of developing evaluation criteria for neck injury protection, using the Biofidelic Rear Impact Dummy (BioRID I). Based on accident experience, occupants in rear seats and occupants with increased distance to head restraints are at a lower and higher risk, respectively, as compared to a front-seat occupant in a regular sitting posture. The occupant situations that were simulated and compared were front-seat occupant and rear-seat occupant in a regular sitting posture and front-seat occupant with increased head to head restraint distance. The evaluation measurements chosen for testing were based on three guidelines concerning body acceleration, relative movements of the spine, and rebound motion. This study suggests several evaluation criteria, which concur with Whiplash Protection Study (WHIPS) guidelines using the BioRID I. (Author/publisher).
Abstract