COUNTERMEASURES TO ADDRESS FARSIDE CRASHES: FIRST RESULTS

This study set out to compare a number of countermeasure options to restrain drivers in far-side crashes using the modified BioSID crash test dummy. The findings showed that 3-point belts alone were not sufficient for far-side occupant protection. Attaching double (buckle and belt) pretensioners to the standard 3-point belt also failed to improve protection substantially. The cross-belt configuration did improve protection but not as much as the inclusion of an additional side support. However, even the best restraint combination employed here would probably not provide optimal protection for two occupants. Further research is warranted to improve far-side occupant kinematics and far-side restraint systems. For the covering abstract see ITRD E825082.