The purpose of this SAE Information Report is to further the development of passenger car and light-duty truck restraint systems. This report should aid that goal by: (a) describing standardizing restraint system testing methods so that results from various test laboratories can be compared; (b) serving as a guide in the design and development of restraint systems and in the preparation of detailed procedures for testing and evaluating specific types of restraint systems; and (c) providing an orientation for research in human tolerance to impact and for the development of improved human simulators.

The evaluation procedures discussed are presented as an information report. Due to continuously evolving instrumentation/measurement systems, collision simulation, and data on human tolerance to impact, this report will necessarily be subject to continuing review and improvement. nevertheless, the outlined procedures are intended to form the basis for overall evaluation of any means by which a collision energy exchange between a vehicle and its occupant(s) is measured. Where present knowledge does not allow for rigorous specifications consistent with this broad outlook, an attempt has been made to avoid arbitrary or restrictive statements. The state-of-the-art, in testing, engineering judgment, and experience must provide major guidance in restraint system evaluation.