The Effects Of Pretensioning Of 3-Point Safety Belts On Occupants In Rollover Crashes

Abstract

3-Point Safety Belts Are Designed And Provided With A Primary Objective Being To Control And Limit Occupant Motions Within The Vehicle. These Systems Function Differently In Different Accident Modes. In Frontal Impacts, The Safety Belts Primarily Limit Forward Occupant Motion Towards Interior Vehicle Components. In Rollover Crashes, The Belts Should Provide Both Restraint From Vertical Motion Towards Dangerous Upper Interior Contacts As Well As Prevent Ejection. Controlling The Severity Of The Occupants Second Collision Within The Vehicle Is Critical To Injury Reduction. This Paper Will Report On Our Continued Research In This Area, Concentrating On The Effects Of Belt Pretensioning In Rollovers.