There are news reports of a multiple-fatality bus crash in Morocco
( http://tinyurl.com/tf9fk ). The tourist bus was involved in a head-
on crash with an articulated truck. Apparently the bus was fitted
with seat belts and I assume that they complied with ECE R80 - a 10g
deceleration.
Last year I was part of a team that carried out a review of
requirements for retrofitting seat belts to coaches in Australia.
That review found that decelerations in excess of 10g were likely in
this type of severe (but fortunately rare) bus crash and that the 20g
requirement of Australian Design Rule 68 was appropriate. The
research is summarised in a 2005 ESV paper at:
http://idisk.mac.com/mpaineau-Public/ESV05_coach_sb_Griffiths.pdf
I have circulated this note on RTT in the hope that I can be put in
contact researchers who will be investigating the Moroccan bus crash.
It would be very useful if the wearing and performance of the
restraint systems was investigated and reported (after the coronial
process, of course) for future development of bus seat belt systems.
Regards
Michael Paine
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