Lesions in belted car riders from oblique and lateral impacts

Nielsen, Hans Victor; Weeth, Rainer; Eriksen, Erik

Affiliations

¹Department of orthopedic surgery 0, Odense University Hospital

²The Danish State Department of Vehicle Control, Odense Division, Denmark

Abstract

44 belted car riders, admitted to the Odense University Hospital after oblique and side impacts, have been the subject of closer examination in as much their lesions have been correlated to car damage and restraint systems. Near-side impacts- appeared to result in the most serious lesions, even with moderate car damage, Drivers suffered heavier lesions than front seat passengers in the head, chest and abdomen. Inertia reel belts seemed to exert more protection against cabin contact lesions than static belts - as worn. Of those using static belts only 15 out of 32 had adjusted the belt for fitting. No serious side effects of the belt were seen in these impact directions.There were no technical failures in the inertia reel belts and there were no broken belts. A better protection and a more flexible steering system is proposed in order to reduce the most common lesions in belt users.

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Cited By (2)

Year	Entry
1979	Horsch JD, Schneider DC, Kroell CK, Raasch FD. Response of belt restrained subjects in simulated lateral impact. In: Proceedings of the 23rd Stapp Car Crash Conference. October 17-19, 1979; San Diego, CA. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:71-103. SAE 791005.
1980	Horsch JD. Occupant dynamics as a function of impact angle and belt restraint. In: Proceedings of the 24th Stapp Car Crash Conference. October 15-17, 1980; Troy, MI. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:419-438. SAE 801310.