Dynamic padding by retrofit airbags and knee bars. A study of Swedish mail delivery cars

Abstract

Ostrom, M., Eriksson, A., Thorson, J., Romeo, D.J and Svensson, L., 1992. Dynamic padding by retrofit airbags and knee bars. A study of Swedish mail delivery cars. Safety Science, 15: 147-154.The present study demonstrates the feasibility of a retrofit driver airbag system and knee bars in passenger cars for mail delivery. The system was tested in field experiments, in rough road test, and in low and high speed barrier test. No faults of the system occurred and the crash tests revealed that the energy reducing capacity in frontal collisions was satisfactory. As airbags prevent injuries to non-belt-users, such as certain occupational drivers, we advocate a wider implementation of retrofit airbag systems. We also stress the importance of using seat belts in conjunction with airbags.