Advanced restraint systems for occupant protection

Restraint systems are a major contributor to the protection of car occupants in traffic accidents. They are used for more than 30 years, but they have evolved during these three decades. Analysis of restraint systems effectiveness shows that the three points seat belt is very effective but the combination of belt plus airbag pushes up the limits of protection. The airbag and belt technologies are described, and the recent works to develop smart restraint systems which can adapt to the passenger to be protected and to the crash conditions are analysed. In the last part the further steps for more intelligent restraint systems for frontal and side impact protection are discussed.