A Sampling Program for Evaluation of the 1974 Restraint Systems

In-depth accident investigation programs in the past typically have not been addressed to specific research questions, nor have they been based on the principles of experimental design. This paper describes the design and implementation of an ongoing program for measuring the performance of the 1974 restraint system in actual crashes. Sampling techniques using a stratified systematic sample are used to compare the injury experience in 1973 and 1974 passenger cars. The design and implementation of the data collection and analysis as an integrated program are discussed, and preliminary findings are presented.