4.3.4 Testings of More Side Air Bag Equipped Vehicles

Side air bag systems and other dynamically deployed side impact restraints are being introduced in several vehicle models. In the current test program described in Section 4.2, one side air bag equipped vehicle (Volvo 850) is being tested. This was the only side air bag equipped vehicle which met the selection criteria. However, vehicles with such systems, being market driven, are projected to become more prevalent. From compliance and NCAP test results, SID is adequate in measuring the performance of side air bag systems. However, the capability of EUROSID-1 in assessing side air bag systems is unknown. In addition, neither standard addresses possible harm from the deploying systems to children and adults in out-of-position seating when involved in a side crash. Crash tests to both the EU and U.S. regulation may be run on more side air bag equipped vehicles to assure that a harmonized standard correctly addresses these issues.