VEHICLE DEFORMATION IN REAL-WORLD SIDE IMPACT CRASHES AND REGULATORY CRASH TESTS

Side impact crashes with fatal or serious injuries were selected from the National Automotive Sampling System/Crashworthiness Data System files. Deformation patterns for the sample of crashes were compared with the damage seen in regulatory tests. In particular, the rate of involvement of the sill and pillar structures was considered. The study suggests these structures are less involved in real crashes than in the current regulatory Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214 test. Suggestions for altering the test conditions are made.