In this study, drop testing of the Hybrid Ill dummy head was conducted to determine variations in Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values with the point of head impact, and how the variations relate to actual head injuries. Head drop tests indicated that impacts to the temple and lower forehead posed the greatest injury risks. The application of chamois or chalk over the head, a common practice among safety researchers to detect facial lacerations and head contacts, was found to significantly lower HIC values for all impact locations. (A)
Abstract