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A comprehensive test program has been carried out to study the indicated effectiveness of personnel restraining devices in reducing injuries and fatalities in post office vehicle accidents. The program consisted of a series of simulated vehicle crashes utilizing a dynamic impact sled and three actual crash tests of postal vehicles. The seating configurations and restraint systems of the three basic types of postal vehicles were tested on the impact sled with an anthropomorphic dummy simulating the vehicle driver. Crash tests were simulated at various speeds, g levels, and angles of impact, with accelerometers and high-speed motion picture cameras used to monitor the significant variables observed during each impact test. At the conclusion of the simulated testing, a full-scale barrier impact test was conducted on each of the three types of vehicles under study.

A new dynamic performance standard for child restraint systems (FMVSS No. 213) became effective on January 1, 1981. The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed a test procedure and conducted compliance tests to determine whether the systems available in the marketplace met the requirements of the standard. The restraints tested were in compliance with the dynamic systems test requirement of the standard, however, some of the systems failed to meet certain component test requirements. Technical investigations were initiated to examine more fully the extent of the apparent noncompliances to the standard.