How FMVSS 202a Head Restraint Testing Helps Support Occupant Safety

Over 3 million Americans experience whiplash each year, and a substantial percentage, around 10%, become permanently disabled (Spine Research Institute of San Diego). From minor car accidents to fatalities, this common occurrence directly impacts human vulnerability in vehicles. To mitigate these risks, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) accounts for whiplash safety evaluations via its standard No. 202a. In this article, we aim to provide more insight into the risks associated with whiplash as well as the requirements set forth by the FMVSS.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions. This can lead to long-term pain, lack of mobility, and impact on a person’s overall quality of life.

The FMVSS 202a and ECE R17 safety standards specify the requirements for head restraints to reduce the severity and frequency of head and neck injury in the event of a crash. At MGA Research Corporation (MGA), we do our part to ensure the safety of motor vehicle occupants by offering accurate and dependable test results.

FMVSS 202a requires head restraints to withstand specific forces, displacement, energy absorption, and specific dimensions relative to the occupant. FMVSS 202a includes multiple test modes, utilizing various pieces of equipment and offering the option between static testing (S4.2) or dynamic testing (S4.3). MGA has the capabilities of covering both the static and dynamic options for both FMVSS 202a and ECE R17 alike. Below are illustrations and descriptions of the test modes of the FMVSS 202a federal safety standard.

MGA Test Equipment

At MGA, we seek to ensure that the highest quality testing services are provided with efficiency and accuracy. To do this, we continually adapt our test equipment to the ever-evolving automotive industry and their regulations.

‍

‍

‍

The above images represent the test equipment MGA produces and utilizes for testing FMVSS 202a, ECER17, and more. With decades of experience in servicing the automotive industry on FMVSS testing, and FMVSS 202a / ECE R17 testing, we look forward to engaging further with the industry.

For more information, please reach out via the contact form on our website.

‍