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In comparison to drivers exposed to steering-wheel airbag deployments in frontal crashes, there have been fewer front-seat passengers exposed to airbag deployments for 1) many of the cars in crashes did not have dual airbags and 2) the front passenger seat is less often occupied. Of the 826 airbag crashes detailed by UMTRI crash investigators at the time of this manuscript preparation, there were 145 front-seat passengers, exposed to instrument panel mounted airbags. Most of these front-seat passengers 124 were involved in the frontal crashes. There were 92 who were 16 years of age or older, 24 were under 12 years of age and 11 young teenagers, 13-15 years of age. Of those who were 16 years or older in frontal crashes 70% had an MAIS-1 injury. None of the MAIS-2 injuries were directly related to airbag deployments. Of the AIS-3+ level injuries, about two-thirds were not airbag related.

This paper presents an analysis of the NASS file (1980 - 1986). Cases were selected for near side impacts for drivers, i.e. left side of car, involving unrestrained adult drivers who were alone in the car, and who were not involved in any other collisions following the primary left side impact. Data analysis indicates that 11 % of the near side drivers had crush damage to only the passenger compartment, the ‘P’ zone, that the head, chest and abdomen predominate as the body areas of concern (AIS 3+ injuries), but that these injuries are sustained more often on structures other than the side interior.

A review of the UM series and of NCSS, NASS, CPIR and FARS Files, as well as Michigan accident data files was undertaken, as well as a review of the NTSB “Rear Seat Study”. From these files rear seat occupany is approximately 10%, with children 6 years of age or less being 1/5th of these. About 50-60% of those in the sear seat are adults. Most of the injuries are at the lower AIS levels, with adults being more seriously injured. Of the more serious or fatal injuries, the head and face predominate by far, in all types of crashes involving unrestrainded rear seat occupants. When belts are worn there are few seriously or fatally injured rear occupants and of these, the abdominal area predominates. From available data, rear lap-belted passengers have the same MAIS level (or less) when compared to their front seat lap-shoulder belted counterparts.