Human Factors Evaluation of Restraint Systems for Military Vehicles

Abstract

Three configurations of occupant restraint systems were evaluated for use in military vehicles. Restraint configurations consisted of a 2³ (lap and two shoulder belts), 3+2 (standard 3-point lap/shoulder belt plus secondary shoulder belt) and 5-point (two shoulder, two lap, and one crotch belt). All systems had a single point release feature. Human factors evaluation entailed assessing ingress/egress, functional operation (control reach) and accommodation (fit). Testing included with and without full gear. Eleven soldiers with military vehicle driving experience participated in the evaluation. Results for egress testing showed that the 5-point was slightly faster than the 3+2 and the 2³. Results for the ingress testing showed that ingress time was directly related to the number of connections with the 3+2, 2³ and the 5-point reflecting fastest to slowest times. Wearing full gear significantly increased ingress time but had minimal effects on egress times. No major accommodation issues were noted.