This paper will describe the contents, development, and use of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Parameter and Crash Test databases in crash analysis and injury determination. The information can also be used as a source for vehicle computer model/simulation programs or in the development of crash avoidance measures.

The analyses of damage sustained by vehicles in crashes is based on post-crash information and is somewhat limiting since pre-crash measurements are not usually known or readily available.

The Vehicle Parameter Database consists of over 110 key vehicle dimensions and specifications on over 10,000 vehicles between model years 1980 to 2003.

This database can be cross referenced to NHTSA’s Vehicle Crash Test Database which contains both static post crash measurements and dynamic sensor time history data from over 4,000 tests for model years 1965 to 2003. This database contains information on vehicle deceleration and deformation characteristics, and dummy response, in several crash modes. The ability to compare pre-crash and post crash basic vehicle measurement characteristics could provide a greater insight into analyzing vehicle damage, degree of intrusion, level of deformation, and injury severity/source.