A system for predicting the crashworthiness of new passenger cars using a visual inspection method has been developed by the Monash University Accident Research Centre in Australia. The system includes more than 40 new technology safety features. Their effectiveness is estimated using the Harm Reduction method. The crashworthiness history of the various vehicle makes and models is derived from analysis of real world crashes, already published as "Driver Protection Ratings", is adjusted in the light of new safety features that are fitted. Any mass difference between the previous and new model is also accounted for in the final score. SAFECAR is validated using a non-parametric sign test and multiple model crashworthiness comparisons available from the Driver Protection Ratings. (A)
Samenvatting