Vehicle occupants in traffic accidents

Abstract

Occupant motion and injury response in motor vehicle crashes is dictated by the forces applied to the human body in combination with the relative motion between occupant and vehicle. These responses are complex and dependent on many factors including those relating to crash, vehicle, and occupant characteristics. The study of occupant response is an important step in improving vehicle design and crashworthiness. This chapter provides an overview of the important aspects of occupant response for the four main crash modes: frontal, side, rollover, and rear. The general characteristics of occupant kinematic response are discussed with respect to each crash mode. Typical injury patterns and mechanisms are identified and their relationship to occupant motion and interaction with the crash environment is highlighted.