Interactions Between Rearward-Facing Child Restraint Systems with a Support Leg and the Center Console in Frontal Impact Sled Tests

Installing a child restraint system (CRS) in the rear center seating position of a vehicle is common, especially rearward-facing CRS, as it is anecdotally considered the safest position. Only one study has investigated the interactions between rearward-facing CRS models and the center console during frontal impacts, which found that CRS contact with a center console resulted in elevated peak resultant head accelerations. Therefore, this study aims to use sled testing to quantify the head and neck injury metrics of appropriately sized anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) in rear-facing infant CRS and rear-facing convertible CRS, installed directly behind the center console with and without a support leg, during frontal impacts.