COMPATIBILITY OF CARS IN FRONTAL AND SIDE IMPACT

For many years there has been an acceptance that the level of protection provided to car occupants was influenced not only by the characteristics of the car they occupied but also by the characteristics of the other car involved. Heavy and stiff cars have been said to be aggressive and with other aspects, such as the height of the front structure, these characteristics have been seen as the major factors influencing compatibilty. Despite these concerns, comparatively little research has been carried out to identify the most important characteristics influencing compatibility or to quantify their effects. For the UK Department of Transport, the Transport Research Laboratory has embarked on a programme of research which will attempt to answer these questions. This paper discusses what is currently known and details some of the early findings from the research. Already, some of the simplistic views held in the past are being questioned. (A)

• Corporate Authors:

  TRL

  Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
• Authors:
  • HOBBS, C A
  • WILLIAMS, D A
  • Coleman, D J
• Publication Date: 1996-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 8 p.
• Serial:
  • PA 3164/96
  • Publisher: TRL

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Crash tests; Design; Doors (Vehicles); Frontal crashes; Injuries; Side crashes; Stiffness
• ITRD Terms: 1356: Body (car); 1352: Bumper; 1243: Car; 1357: Car door; 1631: Collision; 5595: Deformation; 9011: Design (overall design); 1357: Door (car); 1357: Door lock; 1640: Head on collision; 6489: Height; 1648: Impact test (crash); 2163: Injury; 1357: Lock (car door); 1665: Safety; 1630: Side impact; 5931: Stiffness; 1255: Vehicle
• Subject Areas: Design; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00725387
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 26 1996 12:00AM