This study updated injury information in frontal collisions for current restraint technology. First, the rate of serious-to-fatally (MAIS3+F) injured lap-shoulder belted front-seat occupants involved in frontal motor vehicle crashes with airbag deployment was determined by model year groups as a function of frontal airbag regulatory changes (1989-1998, 1999-2005, and 2006+) using 1994–2015 NASS-CDS. The results a trend for reductions in injury rates with modern restraint technology.

Second, the distribution of exposed (MAIS 0+F) and serious-to-fatally (MAIS3+F) injured front seat occupants was assessed by crash severity for 2006+ MY vehicles equipped with modern technologies. Injury rates were also determined as a function of belt use to estimate belt effectiveness. The results showed that the rate of MAIS3+F injury increased with the vehicle’s change in velocity. However, there was a marked increase in injury rate with delta V 64+ km/h compared to lower-severity crashes. Injury rates were consistently lower for belted than unbelted occupants, though seat belt effectiveness decreased from approximately 70% to 42% as delta V increased from 20 to 76 km/h.

In a third part of the study, an in-depth case review was conducted to identify the circumstances of frontal collisions resulting in fatality despite availability of advanced restraint systems, including severe crash conditions or a frail front occupant.