The performance of a vehicle’s seat back in rear impact accidents can significantly affect occupant kinematics and resulting injury potential. The only current United States (U.S.) government regulation addressing seat back strength is outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 207, Seating Systems [1]. The test method outlined in this regulation is only partially predictive of seat performance in dynamic and/or real world impacts. Many seats continue to demonstrate gross deformations or catastrophic failures with potentially injurious occupant kinematics under the impact conditions of the FMVSS 301 Fuel System Integrity testing [2]. The Quasistatic Seat Test (QST) methodology, which utilizes an Anthropometric Test Dummy (ATD) and applies the load to the seat back through the ATD’s lumbar spine, has been shown to be a predictor of seat deformation under dynamic loading [3]. Different seat designs tested utilizing the QST methodologies are presented.

Additionally, sled tests conducted at impact levels consistent with FMVSS 301 severities are presented and analyzed regarding occupant containment and the degree of encroachment of the deforming seat back or front seat occupant into the rear occupant’s seating compartment. Crash test data, including ATD injury measures, from tests performed for the development of the recently upgraded FMVSS 301 rear impact standard were reviewed. Furthermore, an additional FMVSS 301 test is presented wherein a QST compliant seat was utilized to evaluate changes in ATD kinematics and injury measures.