In an effort to improve crash protection for drivers seated in wheelchairs, a recent study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) conducted 48-km/h frontal sled tests and computer simulations for midsize-male and small female anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs), seated in wheelchairs in the driver position of a minivan. The tests and simulations used various seat belt configurations, including good and poor belt fit, and no belt restraints. The computer models that were validated using results from the sled tests were conducted with and without air bag deployment to investigate the potential benefits of steering wheel air bags for drivers seated in wheelchairs and the potential risks of being injured by deploying air bags. The results of the UMTRI sled tests and computer simulations showed that the deployment energy of advanced steering wheel air bags was not a concern with regard to causing serious injuries to drivers seated in wheelchairs. Rather, frontal steering wheel air bags were generally found to reduce the risk of serious injuries by preventing driver contact with the steering wheel and upper instrument panel that can occur when the air bag is deactivated. The results of the UMTRI study therefore suggest that steering wheel air bags generally enhance frontal crash protection for drivers seated in wheelchairs and should rarely be deactivated.

To support the results of the UMTRI study, two 2015 Dodge Caravan BraunAbility EVII Conversion Vans, altered to accommodate drivers seated in power wheelchairs, were crash tested by conducting 48-km/h full-width frontal barrier tests with a Hybrid III 50 th percentile male ATD seated in power wheelchairs in the driver position. In one crash test the frontal air bags (steering wheel and knee bolster air bags) were suppressed and in the second test both air bags deployed. Wheelchairs selected met the requirements of ANSI/RESNA WC-4:​ Section 19 (WC19), which is the industry standard in the U.S. for wheelchairs used as seats in vehicles. This standard requires wheelchairs to be successfully tested in a 48-km/h frontal sled test using a 4-point strap-type tiedown system to secure the occupied wheelchair. However, in the vehicle crash tests, the wheelchairs were secured in the driver position by a commercial docking-securement device that complies with industry standard ANSI/RESNA WC-4:​ Section 18 (WC18), Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint Systems for Use in Motor Vehicles. Also, in both vehicle tests, the crash-test dummies were restrained by properly positioned lap/shoulder belts that were facilitated by using wheelchairs with arm supports that are cantilevered off the wheelchair back-support posts and are therefore open at the front and underneath.

Results for the two vehicle crash tests were compared to assess differences in injury risk for the 50 th percentile male ATD with and without air bag deployment based on injury assessment values (IAVs). The frontal crash performance of the wheelchairs and docking securement devices were also assessed. Differences in the kinematic and kinetic responses of the ATD are described and the results are compared to results from the UMTRI sled tests and computer simulations. Results for the vehicle crash tests are directionally consistent with the findings from the UMTRI study. The kinematics of the ATD in the vehicle crash test where the frontal steering wheel air bag deployed are more controlled and the deploying air bag did not cause risk of serious injury.