To demonstrate how easy it would be to improve the safety of light trucks and vans (LTV's), the authors: (1) analyzed historical and current accident databases; (2) investigated and analyzed 11 accident case histories of a GM S-10 vehicle; (3) determined the safety improvements needed; and (4) chose simple and available subsystem design modifications which maximized safety payoff. The conclusion is that with small running design changes to the seating and restraint system weighing about 15 pounds, about 20 pounds of metall air gap padding, and 15 pounds of composite structural foam filling of roof support sections, an estimated 25% reduction in harm can be achieved, over and above the reductions resulting from increased restraint usage. (A)
Samenvatting