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In rear-end collisions, occupants move rearward relative to the vehicle interior, while compressing the seatback. In low-energy impacts, the stiffness of the non-frame seat components may influence the kinematic response of an occupant. Previous research has reported seat stiffness from experiments for a limited number of seats. Because passenger vehicle seats have evolved, this current work reports a range of seat stiffnesses for modern passenger vehicles. A portable measuring device to characterize vehicle seat stiffness was built to accommodate a wide range of vehicle types. The device measured simultaneously the force applied to the seat and the displacement of the seat cushion. Seats of sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, minivans, and pickup trucks for model years between 2016 and 2020 were tested using the device. For each seat, three measurements were taken for four different seat regions: upper seatback, lower seatback, aft seat bottom and fore seat bottom.

Three years of data from the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) were analyzed to identify accidents involving heavy trucks (GVWR >10,000 lbs.). Risk of rollover and ejection was determined as well as belt usage rates. Risk of ejection was also analyzed based on rollover status and belt use. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) was used as an injury rating system for the involved vehicle occupants. These data were further analyzed to determine injury distribution based on factors such as crash type, ejection, and restraint system use. The maximum AIS score (MAIS) was analyzed and each body region (head, face, spine, thorax, abdomen, upper extremity, and lower extremity) was considered for an AIS score of three or greater (AIS 3+). The majority of heavy truck occupants in this study were belted (71%), only 2.5% of occupants were completely or partially ejected, and 28% experienced a rollover event.