An Evaluation of Side Impact Protection

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection" was amended to assure occupant protection in a 33.5 mph crash test and phased-in to new passenger cars during model years 1994-1997. A Thoracic Trauma Index, TTI(d) is measured on Side Impact Dummies seated adjacent to the impact point. Manufacturers upgraded side structures and affixed padding in cars to improve TTI(d). Later, they installed two types of side air bags - torso bags and head air bags - for additional occupant protection in cars and LTVs. This report provides statistical analyses of 1993-2005 crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the General Estimates System (GES) estimate fatality reductions for these technologies.