Citation

Huelke DF, Chewning WA. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1968; 12: 97-115.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1968, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Field investigations of automobile crashes involving new model cars, those with the new safety features, indicate a marked increase in occupant safety. The new laminated windshield, standard since the 1966 models, definitely reduces the severity of facial injuries. Previously, the head penetrated the old type of laminated windshield producing extensive lacerations of the frehead and face. Now, the injuries are relatively minor, typified by scrape-like abrasions. Ejection, previously the leading cause of serious and fatal injuries, is a rare event in the newer model cars because of the improvement in the door locks. The steering assembly had been one of the leading causes of serious injury for the driver. Now, the energy absorbing steering column is decreasing injury severity even at impact speeds higher than those which previously produced fatal injuries. Knee impacts on the lower instrument panel no longer produce serious leg-knee injuries as had been noted in the older model cars.