Vehicle and occupant response in low speed car to barrier : override impacts.

In an effort to add to the base of knowledge relative to low speed bumper override impacts, the authors conducted a series of barrier impacts involving several vehicles with human occupants. The impacts were in the 3 to 8 km/hr range. The vehicles were instrumented with an accelerometer and a velocity sensor. The occupants were instrumented with 8 accelerometers. For comparison, each vehicle (with occupant) was first impacted into the barrier with normal bumper contact. Then, an override fixture was attached to the barrier, and other impacts were performed while maintaining all other conditions as identical as possible. Comparison of occupant accelerations for barrier versus override impacts at similar speeds is presented. Photographs of test damage as presented may be useful in estimating speed change and/or accelerations of other vehicles involved in actual accidental collisions.