GM Racing Tests New Safety Device
DETROIT - Data gathered from a new GM Racing crash test could provide valuable information toward improving driver safety on racetracks around the country.
The test, conducted today at the renowned Bioengineering Center of Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit, examined the effectiveness of a net placed lengthwise in the center of a racecar safety cage to help restrain the lateral movement of the driver's head during impact. This net was tested as part of an overall driver safety package including a six-point harness, head and neck restraint (HANS) device and lightweight, high-strength seat. More than 200 similar tests have been conducted to date by GM at WSU and at Delphi Automotive in Vandalia, Ohio.
"We hope that these tests will assist us in improving driver safety when the passenger side of a race car strikes a wall or barrier, at high speed," said Tom Gideon, Safety Engineer, GM Racing. "This is a particularly common scenario that can cause severe or fatal injury. By analyzing and applying the results we are hoping to save lives in all levels of racing with an efficient and practical solution."
GM Racing's official motorsport safety effort began in 1991 in response to several severe lower leg injuries of racecar drivers. Up until that point there wasn't much real-world data available on high-speed impacts. In 1992, GM supplied crash recorders for Indy cars and data has been collected from more than 500 crashes since and used to accurately create similar crash scenarios in controlled settings. The results provide a good indication of likely injuries on the track, allowing engineers to target safer outcomes.
The valuable information is then shared with sanctioning bodies, race equipment suppliers and racing series competitors.
For example, in 1996 the Indy Racing League sought a solution to reduce recurring injuries. GM employees Dr. John Melvin (now with WSU) and John Pierce studied the issue and recommended including energy absorbing attenuators, or crushzones, and improved head padding. The Society of Automotive Engineers honored their work by giving them the prestigious Schwitzer Award.
GM Racing places safety first on its list of goals and objectives: All participants - drivers, crews and spectators - must follow safety directives during the race weekend.
General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
