Simulation of a Fifteen Passenger Van Rollover and Occupant Kinematics

This study examined the occupant kinematics during the rollover of a 15-passenger van. The main focus of the investigation was to determine possible kinematics that led to ejection, the time period of the potential ejections, and to determine injury causing kinematics or impacts. The time during which the ejections occurred was used to determine whether all the ejections could have occurred during the first overturn or if at least two overturns were necessary. The occupants were simulated in the estraint condition similar to the accident, all restrained in lap belts, and all restrained in lap/shoulder belts. The results of the simulation indicated that predicted injury levels were reduced and full ejection was eliminated when occupants were properly restrained with lap/shoulder belts. The simulation did not account for intrusion when determining injury.