The Crashworthiness of Forward Control Passenger Vehicles

This paper examines the crashworthiness of the Forward Control Passenger Vehicle (FCPV), an increasingly popular form of passenger transport, based upon the light delivery van. The nature and severity of the injuries sustained by a group of injured occupants of crashed cars was compared with that of a group of injured occupants of crashed light vans, including those adapted for use as passenger vehicles.

Injured van occupants were more likely to have sustained leg injuries, and more likely to have been severely injured than were injured occupants of conventional passenger cars. These differences were greatest among front seat occupants injured in frontal crashes. A field study of 31 light forward control vans involved in accidents in or near Adelaide illustrated the nature and severity of the damage sustained by these vehicles in frontal impacts. Recommendations for changes in the safety regulations applicable to light forward control vehicles are made.