FMVSS 206 was established in September 1968 based on SAE requirements with increased loads on the door latches. This requirement was extended to back door latches in September 1995. A 1989 evaluation concluded that FMVSS 206 had a 15% effectiveness in reducing ejection fatality risk. NHTSA has been conducting research on door opening and door latch failures since 1985.

PROBLEM DEFINITION

The target group is all vehicle occupants ejected through doors which have opened due to latch failure. There are an average of 2,513 annual fatal ejections through door openings (NASS CDS, 1988-1996). A NHTSA investigation of NASS hardcopy cases indicated that about half of the accidents showed indications of latch activation while the rest of the door openings appeared to be due to structural failures.

RESEARCH APPROACH

Upgrade of FMVSS 206

• Research Complete on developing 206 upgrade test procedures
• Development of sliding door test procedures is underway in cooperation with Transport Canada and SAE.
• NPRM expected Summer / Fall 2000

• Willke, Monk, Sullivan, Cohen, "Door Latch Integrity", DOT HS 807 374, December 1994
• Howe, Leigh, Willke, "Door Latch Integrity Study Evaluation of Door Latch Failure Modes", DOT HS 808 188, January 1994