@article{ref1,
title="Driver injury in near- and far-side impacts: update on the effect of front-passenger belt use",
journal="Traffic injury prevention",
year="2018",
author="Parenteau, Chantal S. and Viano, David C.",
volume="19",
number="3",
pages="264-269",
abstract="PURPOSE: This is a study that updates earlier research on the influence of a front passenger on the risk for severe driver injury in near-side and far-side impacts. It includes the effects of belt use by the driver and passenger, identifies body regions involved in driver injury and identifies the sources for severe, driver head injury. <br><br>METHODS: 1997-2015 NASS-CDS data was used to investigate the risk for MAIS 4+F driver injury in near-side and far-side impacts by front-passenger belt use and as a sole occupant in the driver seat. Side impacts were identified with GAD1 = 'L' or 'R' without rollover (rollover ≤ 0). Front-outboard occupants were included without ejection (ejection = 0). Injury severity was defined by MAIS and fatality (F) by TREATMNT = 1 or INJSEV = 4. Weighted data was determined. The risk for MAIS 4+F was determined using the number of occupants with known injury status MAIS 0+F. Standard errors were determined. <br><br>RESULTS: Overall, belted drivers had greater risks for severe injury in near-side than far-side impacts. As a sole driver, the risk was 0.969% ± 0.212% for near-side and 0.313% ± 0.069% for far-side impacts (p < 0.005). The driver's risk was 0.933% ± 0.430% with an unbelted and 0.596% ± 0.144% with a belted passenger in near-side impacts. The risk was 2.17-times greater with an unbelted passenger (NS). The driver's risk was 0.782% ± 0.431% with an unbelted and 0.361% ± 0.114% with a belted passenger in far-side impacts. The risk was 1.57-times greater with an unbelted passenger (p <0.10). Seatbelt use was 66% to 95% effective in preventing MAIS 4+F injury in the driver. For belted drivers, the head and thorax were the leading body region for AIS 4+ injury. For near-side impacts, the leading sources for AIS 4+ head injury were the left B-pillar, roof and other vehicle. For far-side impacts, the leading sources were the other occupant, right interior and roof (8.5%). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Seatbelt use by a passenger lowered the risk for severe driver injury in side impacts. The reduction was 54% in near-side impacts and 36% in far-side impacts. Belted drivers experienced mostly head and thoracic AIS 4+ injuries. Head injuries in the belted drivers were from contact with the side interior and the other occupant, even with a belted passenger.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1538-9588",
doi="10.1080/15389588.2017.1393664",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2017.1393664"
}