A sled test method for small overlap crashes and fatal head injuries

A large portion of fatal crashes are characterized by passenger cars being hit at the front but without engaging the drive train or longitudinal structural beams. The objective of this paper was to describe a cost-effective sled test method developed to address the issue of small overlap crashes and fatal head injuries. A real-life small overlap crash and literature review revealed that, in most cases, fatal injuries were multiple and the dominating injury mechanisms were head impacts with the inboard side, A-pillar, or external objects. Full-scale crashes with the THOR dummy confirmed this. A sled test method was developed replicating the critical events in the fullscale crashes. In additional tests with the HIII dummy there was no indication of head contact with the inboard side. In conclusion, sled tests with the THOR dummy may be used in the evaluation of restraints' ability to protect occupants in small overlap types of crashes.