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Lateral directional dynamic response properties and handling characteristics of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have been the subject of several investigations. Experimentally measured steady-state and transient handling response parameters of four ATVs are presented, reflecting two traditional automobile handling tests, the circle-turn and the J-turn test. Two three-wheel and two four-wheel ATVs were tested. One of the three-wheel and one of the four-wheel ATVs were equipped with conventional, but lockable differentials. The J-turn tests yielded transient response properties including lateral acceleration and yaw rate response times to step steer inputs, and steady-state response properties such as understeer coefficient, steering sensitivity and yaw response gain. ATV J-turn test results are compared to J-turn test results from selected automobiles.

Analysis of accident data can provide important information for product design and regulatory policy. This paper will identify and describe some major sources of data for off-highway vehicle accidents and will discuss the methods for handling those data. Several examples of risk analysis will be described in detail, including an accident mode analysis for tractors and a comparative risk analysis for occupational injuries.

The authors report on an examination of the relationship, or correlation, between performance in the roof crush test (FMVSS 216, [1]) and the likelihood of injury following rollover for different car models. Specifically, it has been asserted that roof crush test performance is a valid indicator of the protection afforded passengers in a rollover accident. If this is correct, it would be expected that cars which perform relatively “better” in the roof crush test will also perform relatively “better” in protecting passengers in rollover accidents on the road. Performance in the roof crush test is measured by inches of roof deflection for application of a load through a rigid, unyielding plate placed in specific orientation with respect to the automobile roof. Protection of passengers in rollover accidents is measured by actual injury rates obtained from accident/injury data from the state of Washington collected for multiple model and accident years.

The measured impact of mandatory seat belt usage regulations on automobile safety and accident severity appears to be substantially less than anticipated. A review of accident data collected by a number of countries, before and after implementation of a mandatory use law, indicates that mandatory seat belt usage made a measurable impact on safety only after the passenger belt usage rate rose above 60%. Data from these countries also indicate that user compliance above 60% is attainable only with rigorous usage enforcement programs.

Recent highly publicized recalls of radial tires brought about by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) raise a question as to the reliability of steel belted radial tire technology. The risk posed by such tires will be examined in the context of changing tire technologies, and their positive safety impact will be discussed in connection with the recently recalled Firestone “500” steel belted radial tire.