The evaluation of CRS regarding dynamic performance in frontal impacts such as complying to Safety Standards, is based upon tests on dynamic test rigs. The usual rigs accelerate the test seat up to the required impact speed such as 30 mph or 50 km/h over a relatively short test rig length. Depending on this length and the onset of acceleration, the dummy will be initially pushed backward into the seat back, thus creating additional slack by increasing the space between the dummy’s torso and the safety system.

This condition is different to the majority of real-life-accidents, where pre-impact braking will occur and force the child to be in close contact with the safety system before impact.

The paper investigates the effects pre-impact braking will have on the dynamic performance of CRS and compares the data with standard test results. For this purpose a pre-impact brake system is added to a dynamic rig. The results show that pre-impact braking has a positive effect on the dynamic motion and leads to a significant reduction of head acceleration for forward-facing CRS in frontal impacts.