Effectiveness of cargo barriers to protect front seat occupants in rear impacts -: crash test evaluation

although cargo barriers have been well developed for providing cargo restraint in frontal impacts, the effect of load and restraint systems subjected to rear impacts has not been subjected to the same performance evaluation. This paper examines this issue and presents the results from a rear impact crash test carried out on a telecommunication service vehicle fitted with storage shelving and items typically carried out for service calls. Published research on injury risk to vehicle occupants in rear impacts has focused primarily on fuel tank integrity; whiplash and seat design/ headrest issues; and seatback strength. However injury outcomes in rear impacts can also be significantly influenced by cargo, fitted shelving or other items carried in the rear of the vehicle. The test results clearly identified the increased injury risks to front seat occupants that can arise in rear impacts due to items carried in the rear storage space of vehicles. Modifications to the vehicle shelving and the avoidance of direct load paths are required to avoid transferring high impact loads into the cargo barrier and directly through to the occupants. The development of a suitable rear impact test protocol is also presented.