Head and neck injuries for belted front occupants involved in real frontal crashes: patterns and risks.

Protection criteria for the head and neck to be measured on dummies are still discussed today on the basis of cadaver tests, boxers and volunteers. But the statistical pattern of head and neck injuries and the risk evaluation for front belted occupants can only be described on the basis of frontal real- world accident investigation. 275 head injuries and 102 neck injuries are observed and related to violence of impact and areas contacted. A complete medical description and injury mechanism are provided.