What is a realistic frontal-offset test procedure?

With an increasing number of vehicles satisfying the FMVSS 208 Flat Barrier Impact Test and increasing belt usage, a high reduction of occupant injuries in general and a change from acceleration-induced to intrusion-induced injury mechanisms has been observed in Europe. The significance of intrusion-induced injury mechanisms associated with offset frontal impacts is assuming greater importance. Beginning in 1978, in response to this challenge, Mercedes-Benz has emphasized front structural countermeasures that have been found to be effective in the frequent asymmetrical frontal impacts. As an internal test, an offset impact with 40% overlap against a rigid barrier was defined. The relationship between actual accident frontal-overlap damage and barrier-test overlap values is explored in the paper. The results support the view that if a test of this type and associated design countermeasures were adopted by all vehicle manufacturers, a significant reduction of injuries would take place.