Comfort accessories for elderly drivers: Influence on occupant injury risk

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of various comfort accessories, observed to be used by 26% of elderly drivers, on occupant injury risk. A collection of frontal sled tests using a 5th percentile Hybrid III dummy showed increased sternal deflection when the dummy was seated on cushioning, indicating potential for increased thoracic injury. When a lumbar support roller and cushion were used the dummy submarined under the lap belt which would pose an increased risk of severe abdominal injury.