There is a growing interest by physicians in injury treatment and prevention. It has become apparent that there are many varied causes of traffic accidents. It may be many years before this interaction can be successfully reduced in frequency. We must therefore assume that a certain number of accidents are not preventable. In this context, the prevention of the disability, disfigurement or death which may result from an accident becomes extremely important.

For example injuries to the head and face are a function of many factors including seating location, body build, interior cabin contour, deceleration forces, and restraining devices.

Several case studies are presented with the hope of illustrating certain principles in the interaction of passenger and vehicle. The collision kinematics have been described in detail for the four basic auto collision types and will not be repeated here.