The need to provide protection for vehicle occupants in a crash has been recognised since at least the 1950s. The importance of an occupant restraint system to prevent ejection and to prevent or reduce the severity of the "second collision" between the occupant and the vehicle interior was identified as an essential element for occupant protection. The need to reduce deceleration by controlled crumpling of the vehicle structure while maintaining integrity of the occupant compartment was also recognised as important.

This paper describes how some of the research, development and safety standards from other countries were adapted and applied to occupant protection in Australia. The contribution of Australian research and development to this process is also discussed, particularly in relation to seat belts.

Some recent efforts to improve occupant protection, including provision of consumer information about crash performance derived from real world crashes (used car ratings) and the correlation with the Australian New Car Assessment Program is also discussed.

Mention is made of a recently commenced research project to optimise protection in a side impact for the full range of crash conditions.