Accurate tracking of the 3-D movement of crash test subjects is challenging. Optical systems, although they are limited to line-of-sight applications, have the potential to offer greater accuracy than other non-contact technologies. The University of Virginia Center for Applied Biomechanics (CAB) recently evaluated an optical 3-D point tracking system provided by Vicon Peak with the initial intended use of recording the torso kinematics of restrained cadavers in a simulated frontal impact. The Vicon system is a video-based optoelectronic stereophotogrammetric system that simultaneously records the movement of spherical retroreflective markers. Processing software calibrates the movement capture volume, generates 3-D movement time-history data, and produces data visualization graphics. In two trial test series, involving a seated Hybrid III 50th percentile male dummy restrained by a customized lap and shoulder belt and knee bolster, the camera system was capable of recording marker positions at 1000 Hz. The cameras were arranged so that multiple cameras were able to “see” each of the 50 markers placed on the dummy’s head, torso, pelvis, and shoulder belt. In the second trial, the Vicon cameras were paired with high intensity light rings that allowed the simultaneous recording of quality high speed video images. The Vicon system tracked the markers with few occlusions, periods during which less than two cameras were able to see any one marker. Peak chest deflection (movement of the anterior thorax toward the spine) measured by the Vicon system differed by 0.7 to 4.4 mm in comparison to three measurements at the same locations recorded by internal dummy instrumentation. This was within the confidence bounds of the internal dummy instrumentation for these trials. Lateral movement of the sternum with respect to the spine measured by the Vicon system differed from 15.2 to 17.6 mm with respect to internal dummy instrumentation measurements. The lateral movement differences prompted a more careful ongoing investigation of Vicon system accuracy.