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Assessment of potential forearm fracture due to deployment of driver air bags is examined through a series of static air bag deployments with a specially instrumented Hybrid III dummy. The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of measuring accelerations and bending moments on the Hybrid III dummy forearm as a potential injury index for arm fracture. Study of the National Accident Sampling System data has shown that in isolated circumstances, deployment of an air bag while the driver is making a turn can lead to fractures of the lower arm. To examine this phenomenon, the Hybrid III dummy was instrumented with accelerometers and strain gages to allow measurement of the accelerations and moments on the right arm. The arm was oriented over the steering wheel towards the eleven o'clock position during deployment of the air bag. Accelerations were measured on the arm at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Moments in two axes were measured at two locations below the elbow.

Development of improved dummy lower extremities which are compatible with both the Hybrid III design and with other advanced torso designs is continuing. The first task was to establish the design and performance requirements for these new crash dummy components. To achieve this, an extensive literature review of relevant biomechanical studies was carried out and a detailed accident investigation of crashes involving lower extremity injury was performed. Finally, detailed discussions were conducted with biomechanical and clinical experts. The innfromation gained through these efforts was synthesized into a detailed set of design goals and requirements for the improved lower extremities, which are summarize in this paper.