Update on the Effectiveness of High Retention Seats in Preventing Fatal Injury in Rear Impacts

Methods

The 2001-2008 FARS was analyzed for rear impacts of 1992 to 2008 model year GM vehicles that transitioned to high retention seats. The number of fatal and non-fatal injuries to drivers and right-front passengers was determined in vehicles with baseline (earlier designs) and high retention seats. The odds ratio for fatal injury and the change in fatality risk were determined with ±95% CI (confidence intervals), z-statistic and significance level.

The data was further subdivided by passenger car, light truck (truck, SUV and van) and driver-only crashes. Results: Based on 9,570 drivers and right-front passengers in fatal rear impacts in 1991-2008 FARS data, the fatality risk was 16.6% (15.1%-18.3% 95% CI) in vehicles with high retention seats and 27.1% (26.1%-28.1% 95% CI) in vehicles with baseline seats. The reduction in odds for fatal injury was 46.3% (39.3%-52.4% 95% CI) with high retention seats and it was statistically significant with z = 9.982, p < 0.0001.

The reduction in odds for fatal injury was similar for occupants in passenger cars at 45.4% (35.4%-53.8% 95% CI) and light trucks, SUVs and vans at 45.0% (28.8%-57.5% 95% CI) using 2001-2008 FARS; however, the fatality risk was higher in passenger cars at 23.1% (20.6%-25.7% 95% CI) than in light trucks, SUVs and vans at 8.7% (7.0%-10.7% 95% CI). Conclusions: Vehicles with high retention seats significantly reduced the odds for fatal injury by 46.3% (39.3%-52.4% 95% CI, p < 0.0001) in rear impacts compared to vehicles with earlier seat designs.

The new generation of yielding seats has significantly improved occupant safety in rear impacts.