This paper has utilized a specially created subset of the data contained within the National Accident Sampling Study (NASS) for an updated and expanded analysis of the relationship between Delta V and injury. The data presented embrace over 20,000 accidents of passenger cars, light trucks and utility vehicles involved in accidents between 1980 and 1991. These unique accidents have been extracted from the massive amount of available information contained within the NASS data in order that the variables which have the greatest information content for our subject can be studied and analyzed.

Some of the variables which were extracted and studied include Delta V, Principle Direction of Force, restraint system type and use, injuries, vehicle weight and type as well as the occupant variables of age and sex which are believed to influence human tolerance to injury.

The relationships between Delta V and the AIS levels for general body regions such as the head and chest as well as some specific injuries which can be extracted from the NASS data such as brain concussion and fractures of the ribs and cervical vertebrae have been identified. In addition internal injuries such as lacerations to the liver are also analyzed and their relationship to the change in velocity of the occupant compartment developed. The data support the appropriateness of some of the human tolerance limits which are currently incorporated in the FMVSS standards relating to occupant protection.