In this paper the authors examine the risk to which car occupants are exposed in sideways collisions. Statistical data are presented, based on a Peugeot SA/Renault survey of approximately 13000 occupants involved in injury accidents, together with police reports on fatal accidents occurring on the French road network between April and June 1980. The authors conclude that the proportion of severe casualties (fatalities and severely injured) due to side impacts is c.25%. They go on to examine the case of occupants involved in car to car sideways collisions, who, being positioned on the impact side, were directly subjected to intrusion by the adjacent side panel. They suggest that the planned Composite Test Procedure, the CEVE Procedure and the NHTSA project would provide small extra protection for major extra cost, saving less than 1% of all fatalities and less than 2.5% of all severe injuries. They conclude by suggesting that research aimed at reducing side impact risk should concentrate on effective driving aid systems and improvements in the road infrastructure. For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 837684.
Samenvatting