Predictive Factors of the Fatality of Motor Vehicle Passengers Involved in Far-Side Lateral Collisions: A National Crash Database Study

Abstract

Although the risks faced by passengers in near-side lateral collisions are understood, and despite the presence of side airbags for injury prevention, passengers involved in far-side lateral collisions also suffer serious and fatal injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the independent predictive factors of fatality of motor vehicle passengers involved in far-side lateral collisions. Using 2010 records from the National Automotive Sampling System/Crashworthiness Data System (NASS/CDS), we selected 86 fatal and 325 non-fatal passengers with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of 2 or more. The background and injury severity of the passengers and collision characteristics were compared between the two groups. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables independently associated with fatalities were female sex (Ref, male) (odds ratio [OR], 0.396), age (OR, 1.029), body mass index (OR, 1.057), total delta-V (OR, 1.031), head AIS score (OR, 1.679), chest AIS score (OR, 1.330), and abdomen AIS score (OR, 1.294). This is the first report to determine factors affecting fatality in passengers involved in far-side lateral collisions. Improving the safety of the vehicle interior, such as by including additional seatbelt systems or a side airbag that deploys between seats, might help to avoid fatalities, and reduce injury severity.

Subjective and Objective Improvement in a 39-Year-Old Male Suffering From Severe Chronic Pain and Disability Using Chiropractic BioPhysics® Protocols Following Rear-Impact Motor Vehicle Crash With a 10-Month Long-Term Follow-Up

“…Rear impact MVCs have been studied extensively, and the buckling injuries sustained in these elastic collisions can vary significantly from slight sprains/strains to sudden death [2]. The mental and physical status of the occupants, the type of vehicles, mass of the vehicles versus occupants, speed, road and tire factors, weather conditions, age of the vehicle, and safety features present will determine damage both to the vehicles and passengers [31,32]. When speed and mass are high, and Newtons of force exceed tissue integrity, hydrogen bonds will break in tissues at the molecular level and cascade depending on force, mass, and acceleration.…”

Analysis of Head Displacement during a Frontal Collision at a Speed of 20 km/h—Experimental Studies

“…The main reason for introducing seat belts in motor vehicles was to hold the body of the driver and passengers in the event of a collision. At the moment of a collision, the human body moves forward due to inertia, which leads to the body hitting the cabin elements and even falling out of the vehicle through the windshield [10][11][12]. Another element that increased the chances of reducing injuries to drivers and passengers during the crash test was the airbag.…”