This paper evaluates the effects on drivers and right front passengers of full-force braking against an obstacle (rubber cones), of braking while trying to avoid the same kind of obstacle (with and without antilock braking system (ABS)), and the consequences of a countersteering manoeuvre after sideslip in a curve. All tests have been performed with the collaboration of a safe-driving school, using stock, middle-class cars, in perfect operating conditions, on a closed circuit. The cars were equipped with an inside and a side-mounted camera. The results show that the driver is not significantly moving forward while braking at the test speed of 65 kph. However, while trying to maintain control of the car his upper limbs travel in the near proximity of the airbag cover. The right passenger is sometimes at risk of forward movements, even if belted. If unbelted, during full-force braking at around 80 kph and over there is no chance to maintain adherence to the seat, with serious risk of contact with the dashboard. Lateral acceleration appears also to be significant in some test configurations. In some cases, the diagonal belt slipped off the shoulder. In real world crashes, this could have significant consequences. (A)
Samenvatting