UMTRI Project

Automotive Seated Posture and Seatbelt Fit for Children Over Forty Pounds

Sponsor:
Investigator: Matthew Reed
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

This research established a database of vehicle-seated child anthropometry and vehicle seatbelt fit for children weighing between 40 to 100 lb. Children were tested in a wide range of seating configurations, including ranges of vehicle seatback and seat-cushion angles, ranges of lap-belt angles and D-ring anchor-point locations, and with and without belt-positioning booster seats. For all configurations, posture data were recorded using a FARO Arm to digitize 3-D coordinate locations of skeletal landmarks on the head, thorax, pelvis, and extremities. In addition, the routings of the seatbelt or harness with respect to the clavicle, sternum, and pelvis were recorded by digitizing points on the belt webbing in these areas. Results to date indicate that belt-positioning boosters improve lap-belt fit by allowing a steeper lap-belt angle with rear-seat belt geometry, even for larger children. The study also identified differences in belt fit among different designs of booster seats.