Background Approximately 59 percent of the rollover fatalities come from the 10 percent of the rollover-involved occupants who are ejected, partially or completely, from the vehicle. Of the fatal ejections, by far the highest proportion, 56 percent, are ejected through side glazing. By contrast, only 14 percent are ejected through side doors.

Objectives Estimate the effects of side window configurations (such as the size and location), characteristics of door latches, and other vehicle parameters on fatality and injury risk, and on occupant ejection rates in side impacts and rollovers. Additional factors related to window and door ejections will also be examined. Belt use is a critical factor and must be taken into account; as is the vehicle type and the number of doors (e.g., 2-door car, 4-door pickup truck, etc.)

Proposed Approach Develop a database of measurements relating to the size and location of side windows by make/model, and compare ejection rates as they relate to these factors by a statistical analysis. FARS and NASS data will be analyzed by methods developed in earlier evaluations of air bags, side impact, and rollover standards to determine the relationship between side window configuration and ejection rates, controlling for other factors such as belt use and vehicle type/number of doors. The evaluation could take 2-4 years, depending on whether the data on side window configurations can be assembled from existing sources or need to be measured by a contractor.