Head risks in frontal impacts: similarities and differences between tests and real-life situations

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Walfisch, G.¹; Pouget, D.¹; Thomas, C.²; Tarrière, C.²

Head risks in frontal impacts: similarities and differences between tests and real-life situations

Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV)

Affiliations

¹Renault R&D Department

²Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics, Associated with Peugeot SA/Renault
Abstract

The risks incurred by the head of restrained front occupants in real frontal impacts must be correctly reproduced in experimental tests (especially statutory tests) to be sure that improvements made will be effective in real accidents.

A comparison of the frequency and severity of head impacts for 179 real accidents and 211 impact test dummies is performed over a range of velocity changes between 46 and 60 km/h.

The results show major differences between the risks incuned in real accidents and the risks predicted by global frontal impact against a 0° angled barrier, applying inadequate and outdated criteria.

Possible improvements are suggested.

Cited Works (8)

Year	Entry
1988	Faverjon G, Henry C, Thomas C, Tarriere C, Patel A, Got C, Guillon F. Head and neck injuries for belted front occupants involved in real frontal crashes: patterns and risks. In: Proceedings of the 1988 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 14-16, 1988; Bergisch-Gladbach, West Germany.301-317.
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Cited By (5)

Year	Entry
1991	Thomas P, Bradford M, Ward E. The cause of head injuries in real world crashes. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.67-77.
1991	Tarriere C, Thomas C, Trosseille X. Frontal impact protection requires a whole safety system integration. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.1079-1087.
1991	Walfisch G, Pouget D, Casadei N. COVER: "Renault VSS" safety vehicle frontal and rear impact occupant protection. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.1186-1191.
1989	Cesari D, Ramet M, Welbourne E. Experimental evaluation of human facial tolerance to injuries. In: Proceedings of the 1989 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 13-15, 1989; Stockholm, Sweden.55-63.
1993	Thomas P, Bradford M. The nature and source of the head injuries sustained by restrained front seat occupants in frontal collisions. In: Proceedings of the 1993 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 8-10, 1993; Eindhoven, The Netherlands.29-40.