Discerning the State of Crashworthiness in the Accident Experience

This paper addresses the risks of occupant casualties in highway accidents. Such risks are determined from U.S. accident experience in the past 10 years. Risks are analyzed as a function of vehicle type, car market class, make, nameplate, and model year for crashes of various impact types and various severities. Both absolute risks, per unit exposure, and relative risks are addressed. The influence of many exposure variables is examined and necessary adjustments, to a common set of exposure conditions, are made. The control variables for this purpose are: calendar year and car age; occupant's seating position, restraint status, and age; time and place of travel; and various roadway characteristics. Adjusted risks are reviewed versus major characteristics of cars as implied by make, nameplate, and model year. Occupant ejections and rollovers receive special attention due to their risk sensitivity to car class