The level of side impact protection achievable by passenger vehicles was examined in a series of crash tests performed following US FMVSS 214 dynamic testing protocols, but substituting EuroSID 1 and BioSID crash test dummies in place of the US SID. The vehicles included a Honda Accord modified by Transport Canada, a production Ford Contour and production versions of the Volvo 850 with and without the Sipsbag. In addition to satisfying the criteria referenced in US and European regulations, the modified Honda Accord, the Ford Contour and the Volvo 850 fitted with the Sipsbag all showed high levels of protection to the abdomen based on the responses measured with the BioSID. All three vehicle models limited abdominal penetration on the driver side to under 39 mm and the peak VC value to well below 1 m/s. The results obtained in this series of tests suggest that innovative padding schemes represent viable alternatives to side-mounted air bag systems as a means of further improving occupant safety in side impacts. (A)
Samenvatting