Observational surveys and analysis of motor vehicle collision data files have confirmed that some infants are transferred to the next category of restraint or taken out before they have "out-grown" their prescribed protective devices. Legislation, enforcement and education countermeasures are tools that have been used to increase proper restraint use among infants. The next phase of improving protection for infants is regulating aspects of the product to increase prolong proper use. The introduction of larger infant dummies in sled testing is one of the most important of these regulatory initiatitives as it applies to infant restraints. Analytical methods are employed to determine whether any significant effects on the restraint performance exist due to infant dummy size, restraint model or the interaction of the two. Also, similarities and differences in performance among the forward and rear facing configurations and various restraint models are measured and compared. Infants and young toddlers, are provided with a higher level of safety when restrained in a rear facing infant restraint system as long as possible rather than not being restrained, being restrained in a forward facing restraint or restrained by a seat belt. (A)
Samenvatting