Vehicle crashworthiness and the older motorist

• DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x03001223
• Publication Date: 2003-07-02T14:47:10Z
• Authors: ANDREW MORRIS; RUTH WELSH; RICHARD FRAMPTON; JUDE CHARLTON; BRIAN FILDES
• Keywords: Crashworthiness; Side impact; Age groups

This study examines the relationship between age and injury outcomes for belted drivers in road vehicle crashes United Kingdom. The sample of 1,541 was divided into three groups: 889 were aged 17–39 years (young drivers); 515 40–64 (middle-aged), 137 65–84 (older drivers). Both frontal side impact which vehicles sustained sufficient damage to be towed away from scene are considered. In-depth information obtained examinations crashed combined with clinical data hospitals throw light on mechanisms that led injuries. Results show approximately equal severity, older significantly more likely than middle-aged young fatally injured both (p<0.001) (p<0.05) crashes. results also injuries chest (p<0.0001) this body region is particularly problematic. main sources found seat belt door As number car users will increase rapidly most OECD countries coming decades, suggest re-designs required, including in-vehicle crashworthiness systems, take account people's relatively low tolerance crash impacts.