CRASH COURSE!

The author examines current legislation regarding the obligatory safety crash testing programme for new cars, showing how some type approval tests are unrealistic and do little towards occupant's welfare. Often standards are out of date or are too low to be of real benefit. Research shows that few cars are involved in full frontal impacts and in most cases only one-third of the frontal area contacts with an opposing object. A combination of reactions to seat belt restraint and steering column movement can often lead to severe injuries of the head or chest. A "global" test is suggested which would check seating and frontal intrusion, seat belt anchorages, seat mountings in frontal, oblique frontal, side and rear impacts and rollovers--all with a seated belted dummy included. It is probably better to define the performance required and then allow manufacturers to design solutions in their own way. The case for rear seat belts is examined; an example is given to show how it is possible for bad publicity to force a manufacturer to improve designs. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Automobile Association

  Foundation for Road Safety Research, Fanum House
  Basingstoke, Hampshire,   England 
• Authors:
  • Johnstone, R
• Publication Date: 1984-3

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 10-12
• Serial:
  • DRIVE

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anchorages; Automobiles; Compliance; Crash tests; Crashes; Design; Economic efficiency; Frontal crashes; Improvements; Industries; Inspection; Laws; Legislation; Manual safety belts; Manufactures; Motor vehicle bodies; Motor vehicles; Public policy; Rear end crashes; Rollover crashes; Seats; Side crashes; Specifications; Standards; Strength of materials; Testing; Tests; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency; ROLL OVER (VEH)
• Old TRIS Terms: New cars
• ITRD Terms: 3420: Anchorage; 1356: Body (car); 1243: Car; 9011: Design (overall design); 5911: Efficiency; 1640: Head on collision; 1648: Impact test (crash); 9108: Improvement; 1556: Legislation; 3647: Manufacture; 1586: Official approval; 1637: Overturning (veh); 1620: Rear end collision; 1476: Safety belt; 1388: Seat (veh); 1630: Side impact; 177: Specifications; 5544: Strength (mater); 6255: Test; 1575: Vehicle inspection
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Highways; Law; Policy; Research; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00387498
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 30 1984 12:00AM