An analysis of the safety- related impact of "comfort feature" introduction in GM vehicles.

The effect on occupant restraint use and effectiveness is evaluated with regard to General Motors (GM) introduction of the "comfort feature" into the front outboard seating positions on most of its automotive fleet during model years 1976- 1979. Examination of accident injury data revealed no detectable change in the effectiveness of the front outboard occupant- restraint system, so the observed increase in restraint usage translates into a national estimate of more than a thousand serious and fatal injuries being prevented annually through increased restraint use in comfort feature- equipped GM vehicles.