Impacts in the real world differ from crash tests. Particularly, if the driver is trying to avoid an obstacle, decelerating sharply and/or rapidly changing trajectory, he may be dislocated from an optimal seat position for what concerns the restraint systems.

This paper evaluates the effects of full-force braking against an obstacle (rubber cones), of braking while trying to avoid the same obstacle (with and without ABS), and the consequences of a countersteering maneuver after losing adherence in a curve.

All tests have been performed with the collaboration of a safe-driving school, using a stock, middle-size sedan, and with the participation of volunteer drivers of both sexes, with ages from 18 and 45. The cars were equipped with a side-mounted VHS video recorder,appreciations and measures were taken directly on screen and compared.

The results show that the driver is almost never submitted, at test speed, at significant forward movement against the steering wheel, but however while trying to maintain control of the car he may expone hands and forearms in the proximity of an eventual airbag cover, with resulting non optimal performance of the restraint system. For what concern belts, in two cases the web went off the shoulder while operating the steering wheel and braking.

Some considerations upon refinement of smart restraints may be carried out, with reference to the behaviour of an active driver in a nearby accident.