Optimised Restraint Systems for Low Mass Vehicles

In a collision of a low mass vehicle (600 kg) against a typical compact car (1200 kg), both vehicles cruising at 50 km/h, the LMV will experience a Δv of 20 m/s and a mean deceleration level of 45 - 50 g, approximately. The restraint systems of such vehicles must be adapted to this specific situation in order to guarantee a level of passive safety equal to current standards.

The purpose of this study is to show that, in sled tests, FMVSS 208 and European occupant protection criteria can be met under the conditions encountered in a LMV, utilizing restraint system components which are appropriately adapted and optimised with respect to the severity of the crash situation under consideration.