PERFORMANCE TESTING OF AN IMPROVED DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR SUBCOMPACT CARS. VOLUME 1. SUMMARY REPORT

Nineteen dummy tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an improved driver restraint system. Impact conditions varied from frontal to 30 oblique and ranged in severity from 17.5 mph to 50 mph total velocity change. The results indicate that occupant protection is marginal at 50 mph and depends upon impact direction and occupant size -- the greater the obliquity of the impact direction from frontal, the greater the injury potential and the larger the occupant size, the greater the injury potential. Seventy-eight full-scale vehicle stopping tests were performed and documented. In every case the emergency locking retractors performed as specified. Three dummy tests were conducted to evaluate the influence of shoulder belt slack introduced by the occupant. Results indicate that under severe impact conditions (35 mph total velocity change) belt slack contributes to restraint system failure.