Human Volunteer and Anthropomorphic Dummy Tests of General Motors Driver Air Cushion System

Dynamic tests of the General Motors driver air cushion system using human volunteers were conducted at Southwest Research Institute. Forty human tests were conducted at eight different impact severities. Thirty-two anthropomorphic dummy tests were made under similar conditions. The test work proceeded as planned through impacts equivalent to a 30 mph (48 kph) barrier crash of a full size vehicle. No significant injuries were experienced by the volunteers. The extent of trauma was generally limited to minor abrasions, ecchymosis, and erythema. In comparable tests, the anthropomorphic dummies' response to impact was more exaggerated than the humans'.