Citation

Charlton JL, Fildes BN, Olsson T, Truedsson N, Smith S, Kobus J, Kelly P. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 2003; 2003: 5 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A two-stage study was conducted to identify a suitable child restraint (CRS) to fit a Holden Commodore vehicle. Seven CRS were evaluated: 1 infant capsule (rear-facing), 3 dedicated forward-facing restraints and 3 convertibles (rear-facing mode for infants and forward-facing mode for children). Stage 1 testing involved an evaluation of goodness-of-fit and quality of installation. Stage 2 testing involved dynamic sled tests (frontal and side-impact) using the 5 best performers from Stage 1. Amongst the rear-facing restraints, the capsule performed better than all convertibles, showing least reduction of front seat space and greatest lateral stability under a 200N force. Of the restraints tested in forward-facing mode, one dedicated forward-facing restraint was found to be superior. The sled tests showed differences in dummies' forward head excursion, forward and lateral stability of CRS, and side-impact head protection. Overall, although the findings suggested a good level of protection, several areas for design improvement were highlighted including methods of fixing the restraint to the vehicle and the size of the side wings.