For many years, crash testing performed for the US Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been used to analyze and study trends in the measured Anthropometric Test Device (ATD) test responses in 48 kph and 56 kph frontal barrier crash tests. Although many variables must be controlled in these tests, the initial seated position of the dummy has been found to significantly affect the measured dummy parameters (head acceleration, chest acceleration, femur loads). The present study is performed to analyze the driver ATD positions in frontal crash tests. First, a publication review was performed. Secondly, an analysis of the NHTSA Vehicle Crash Test Database (VCTDB) is performed where the ATD to interior structure clearance dimensions are analyzed and discussed. Finally, a small but diverse population of drivers is surveyed in three vehicles and the resulting driver positioning clearance are reported and compared to the VCTDB dummy interior clearance dimensions.
Samenvatting