INJURY PROBABILITY FOR CAR OCCUPANTS IN FRONTAL AND SIDE IMPACTS

An in-depth crash injury investigation was undertaken to provide data for an analysis of the probability of injury related to crash severity, as calculated using the CRASH 2 computer program. By use of probit analysis techniques estimates of the probabilities of injury have been calculated for unbelted and belted car occupants in frontal and side impacts. In the case of frontal impacts probabilities of injury are given for the head, chest and lower limbs and pelvis separately as well as for the body as a whole. In side impacts the probabilities of injury to individual body regions are not given but probabilities for the whole body are given separately for occupants seated on the impact side of the vehicle and for those seated on the opposite side. For those occupants seated on the impact side, the probability of injury has also been related to the extent of intrusion into the passenger compartment. In addition, the effects of overloading occupants by other unrestrained occupants in the car have been examined. (Author/TRRL)