Title: Impact of the use of safety belts on the structural requirements under rollover of coaches

Authors: A. Garcia Gracia, T. Vicente Corral, M. Sanchez Lozano

Addresses: INSIA-UPM, University Institute for Automotive Research, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid 28031, Spain. ' INSIA-UPM, University Institute for Automotive Research, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid 28031, Spain. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University Miguel Hernandez (UMH), Elche 03202, Alicante, Spain

Abstract: The introduction of mandatory safety belts for passengers in coaches has raised the discussion about the influence of occupants and belts in rollover results. The retention provided by the safety belts in the rollover will contribute to reduction of the injuries to the occupants but may lead to greater concerns over the vehicle structure. In this paper, the work carried out by INSIA-UPM to determine the influence of passengers under rollover requirements is presented.

Keywords: rollover; buses; coaches; safety belts; UN-ECE regulations; passive safety; structural strength; energy absorption.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2006.010016

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2006 Vol.13 No.3, pp.163 - 179

Published online: 08 Jun 2006 *

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