[Injuries, --causes and mechanics of motor vehicle side impacts]

In 228 vehicle-accidents the incidence of side-impact was 25%, being second to frontal impact. 20% of passengers involved sustained severe trauma (AISm 3 - 5). Characteristic of side-impact is a higher trauma rate of upper body with relative sparing of the cervical spine. Pelvic and abdominal injuries are rare but usually severe. The high risk for head and thorax is shown by the "absolute-trauma-index" (incidence x severity of trauma). Severity of trauma rises with vehicle-deformation and is more severe on the side of the impact.