Mechanisms of injury and biomechanics: vehicle design and crash performance.

This paper reviews briefly the early evolution of the subject of the biomechanics of impacts. Some examples of rule-making of vehicle crash performance are cited to illustrate the need for evaluation of all design changes and regulations in the real world of crashes and injuries. Some background data on the relative frequencies of casualties and types of collisions are given to establish overall priorities. Mechanisms of injuries in frontal collisions for unrestrained and restrained occupants are described to illustrate the relationships between interior localized contacts and injuries to the lower limbs, the chest, and the head. Kinematics of occupants in angled, lateral, and rear collisions are reviewed together with the related injury mechanisms, and rollover crashes with and without seat belt use are mentioned. Motorcyclist and pedestrian kinematics and some of the desirable characteristics of the vehicle exterior are described together with the unfortunate consequences of the current bumper standards. In summary the paper aims to be a general review of crash kinematics and general mechanisms of injury.