Citation

Proc. IRCOBI 1987; 15: 73-89.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The importance of the steering system as a major cause of life threatening torso injuries to unrestrained drivers in frontal impacts is well established. More recently investigations into the injuries of restrained drivers have suggested that the steering wheel is also an important source of head and face injuries. The accident research units of the institute have been examining car accidents since 1983. Data are used to examine the relationship between the steering and head and torso injuries. Results show that: (1) the steering wheel is a frequent source of head injuries particularly at a delta-v above 50 km/h; (2) torso injuries are less frequent but are much more severe; (3) steering wheels account for 16% of all head injuries and 25% of all torso injuries; (4) minimum vehicle delta-v at which head and torso contacts occur are 17 km/h and 16 km/h respectively; (5) head injuries above abbreviated injury scale (AIS) 1 occur at a slightly higher vehicle delta-v than a torso injury of the same AIS; (6) most head injuries from the steering wheel are a result of a face contact rather than cranium contact. They are most commonly sustained by the face but AIS 2 (unconsciousness) is also frequent; and (7) most torso injuries are to the chest but when abdomen injuries do occur they are severe. (TRRL)