Citation

Hartemann F, Foret-Bruno JY, Thomas C, Tarriere C, Got C, Patel MM. Proc. Stapp Car Crash Conf. 1979; 23: 235-259.

Affiliation

Peugeot-Renault, La Garenne-Colombes, France

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Society of Automotive Engineers SAE)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In 1344 car-to-car side collisons, the risk of serious or fatal injury to the occupants of struck vehicles seems to increase proportionally with the difference in mass ratios in favor of the striking vehicle. However, in-depth analysis of 63 collisions reveals that the difference in mass ratios is not the principal determinant of injury severity. The frequency and severity of injuries correlates better with the amount of intrusion of the side panel, when the bumper and structure in front of the side rail of the striking car override the rocker panel of the struck car. The relationship between the severity of chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries sustained by occupants seated perpendicularly to the intruding panel and parameters characterizing the colliding vehicles is shown. The paper also discusses structural modifications which might improve protection of occupants involved in side collision with another car.

Language: en