The interface conditions or variables between motor vehicles and child restraint systems (CRS) may adversely affect the performance of CRS and consequently the severity of child injuries. The amount of interior space may determine the likelihood of head impact. The accessibility in a 2-door versus a 4-door car may increase misuse. The larger size of a child within the same CRS may be a reason for body contact with subsequent injuries. Crash or CRS-specific conditions like the occurrence of pre-impact braking, child seating location, upright or reclined CRS position may influence the outcome in a crash. In this study, the effects of variable interface conditions and the modes of using CRS are investigated. This study is based on both in-depth studies of real-life crashes done by the Accident Research Unit at the Medical University Hannover (Germany) and the assessment of accident reports obtained by Britax Roemer, Ulm (Germany). The effects of variable interface conditions and the modes of using CRS are investigated. (A)
Samenvatting