RESPONSE OF CADAVER TEST SUBJECTS IN BELT RESTRAINTS

Seven unembalmed cadavers were subjected to simulated flat barrier collisions to evaluate the effectiveness of various types of restraint systems. The deceleration profiles for the two vehicle types simulated and the representative restraint systems utilized were as follows: (1) 1974 full size automobile, front seat production lap and shoulder belt with retractors, velocity change of 30 mph; (2) 1974 compact automobile, front seat production lap and shoulder belt with retractors, velocity change of 25 mph; (3) 1972 compact automobile, front seat prototype Inflataband, velocity change of 32 mph. Each test was highly instrumented, and a detailed autopsy following each test was made to determine and document the extent of bodily injury sustained during the impact in accordance with the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) formulated by the American Medical Association. The results of these examinations indicate that severe thoracic and cervical injuries (including multiple rib fractures, fractures of the sternum, clavicle, and cervical vertebrae) are induced by the belted restraint systems. No injuries to the cadaver were observed when restrained by the Inflataband.