Protection of Car Occupants Against Side Impacts

The different types of side impact, the consequential injuries and their relative frequencies, are given from the results of crash injury studies in the United Kingdom. The nature of the injuries sustained are considered in relation to the damage to the car in discussing the mechanism of these injuries.

A simple theoretical representation shows that the relative velocity of the car occupant to the inside of the car is the most important feature in side impact accidents.

One-fifth of the occupants were injured by intrusion of the side of the car, crushing them against some part of the interior. The location and effect of strengthening car sides and its possible interaction with the striking vehicle are discussed.