This paper details research and development work in the US Department of Transport to improve vehicle occupant safety in crashes, with particular reference to seat belts and air bags. Individual states are encouraged to pass and enforce seat belt use laws and vehicle manufacturers are requested to install technology to encourage usage. Frontal crash protection by means of air bags is being upgraded to reduce air bag related fatalities in crashes, and dummies used in testing are being improved for effectiveness. Vehicle compatibility issues include the increasing use of sport utility vehicles which cause greater injuries in the struck vehicle; vehicle aggressivity in multi-vehicle crashes; and side impact protection by side air bags or curtains. Issues in vehicle rollover include seat belt use to prevent occupant ejection, and roof crush intrusion. For the covering abstract see ITRD E126782.
Samenvatting