ESTIMATES OF FATAL CHEST AND ABDOMINAL INJURY PREVENTION IN SIDE-IMPACT CRASHES

This analysis shows that the current NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) estimates of potential fatality reduction from improved side-impact protection in passenger cars are unrealistically high. This study is based on recent statistical estimates of fatality prevention by eliminating ejection and mitigating interior impact, and on an analysis of the limits of crash protection in fatal side-impact accidents. Statistics are given and it is shown that assuming side-interior changes that may produce 20% of frontal airbag effectiveness, which is 6% effectiveness and is roughly the same level of safety benefit achieved with the energy-absorbing steering system, 140 fatalities per year would be prevented in all types of side-impact crashes. This estimate is a realistic but formidable goal. It is in striking contrast with NHTSA projection of 1,185 fatality reductions with relatively straightforward design changes. Their projection exaggerates potential safety improvements.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1800052
• Corporate Authors:

  Pergamon Press, Incorporated

  Maxwell House, Fairview Park
  Elmsford, NY  United States  10523
• Authors:
  • Viano, D C
• Publication Date: 1989

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 145-152
• Serial:
  • Journal of Safety Research
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0022-4375
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00224375

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air bags; Fatalities; Injuries; Measures of effectiveness; Prevention; Side crashes; Statistics; Vehicle safety
• Identifier Terms: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness
• Old TRIS Terms: Vehicular safety
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00491081
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-040 617
• Files: HSL, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 28 1990 12:00AM