Abstract
Based on data from statistical accident analysis, buses and coaches are still one of the safest means of transportation. Nevertheless numerous occupants get injured or suffer fatal injuries due to accidents. Although a high proportion of seriously injured casualties happen in accidents where the bus overturns or leaves the road, a large number of injuries are caused due to a normal collision, like a head-on or rear end impact. ECE regulation 80, referring to the strength of seats and their anchorages, was the initial starting point for this investigation. This regulation is limited to seat testing for frontal collisions, while this study deals with the results of testing in the opposite direction. Numerous coaches, especially double decker coaches, also have rearward facing seats and have consequently a different kind of loading to the seat structure.
Summarizing, the results of the sled tests show a potential for further improvements in the energy absorption and design of the coach seat structure, to minimise the injury risk in such an accident configuration.