Debate regarding vehicle compatibility has emerged in an attempt to further reduce vehicle fatalities and injuries. However, the main focus seems to be on the issue of mass differential. While mass certainly plays a role in whether a person is injured or not, it plays a smaller role in comparison to the issue of stiffness and above all geometric compatibility between vehicles and any other structure they crash into. This paper discusses the issue of geometric incompatibility between vehicles themselves and between vehicles and road furniture. The issue of stiffness is covered elsewhere. The results of studies carried out at Monash University that relate to geometric incompatibility are discussed, including a T-bone side impact crash test between a four wheel drive and a sedan car. The paper identifies the potential for a reduction of massive occupant injuries if the geometry crash interface is correct and discusses what crashworthiness features are essential to reduce injuries. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E202589.
Abstract