This research is aimed at improving the protection provided to rear seat motor vehicle occupants in crashes. There are two distinct groups of rear seat occupants who have different needs – young children (≤ 8 years) for whom the first step in reducing injury in crashes has been shown to be the correct use of appropriate child-specific add-on restraints and older children and adult occupants, who use the existing restraint system in the vehicle. Our study involves evaluating the effectiveness of new technologies for improving injury outcomes for rear seat occupants, including existing technologies used in the front seat and novel methods for improving rear seat belt and seat fit. Additionally, we are looking to characterise the rates and bio-mechanical mechanisms of the injury to rear seated vehicle occupants (not using child restraints)

Our study has uncovered new data on rear seat occupant injuries, key injury mechanisms and restraint practices. This data will provide the basis for regulatory or consumer evaluation of the rear seat environment and creates an evidence base for countermeasures for injuries to rear seated vehicle occupants that can be implemented in Australia and abroad.