VEHICLE ROLLOVER AND OCCUPANT RETENTION

Research on real-world coach accidents reveals a high level of tipover and rollover accidents. It also shows that the main occupant injury mechanism is due to the insufficient protection offered by the roof structures in this type of accident. The aim of this paper is to shed some light on these questions, using information gathered from two separate sources: 1) A series of three experimental crash tests using road ready vehicles; and 2) Accident research on 16 real-world accidents. Comparing and correlating the results of these two studies provides a mine of information which is essential for designing the countermeasures necessary to enhance occupant protection. [A] For the covering abstract, see IRRD 896528.