Ford Of Britain 100: Image Of The Week - 25/52

BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – June 23, 2011: To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011 the company is exploring its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

Ford's unique relationship with Britain and its society will be illustrated each week by specially selected pictures.

With a variety of trim levels, powertrains and customer options, the modern Ford vehicle may appear to have an endless number of permutations. But no matter how many combinations are possible the diversity of vehicle occupants is considerably higher and each one demands the highest level of safety.

Even before the first petrol-powered car was invented, scientist Mary Ward gained the unenviable honour of becoming the first motor vehicle accident victim after being hit by an experimental steam-driven car in 1869.

Since then vehicle safety engineering has become increasingly sophisticated and by the mid-20th century the modern crash test dummy was taking shape to provide a wealth of safety data.

As this week's image shows, you need a 'family' of test dummies to match the diversity of vehicle occupants. The sensor-laden dummies replicate male and female, young and old, short and tall without ever asking, "Are we there yet?". Head to toe data is recorded and analysed to allow Ford engineers to develop innovative safety features. Together with virtual crash testing, the dummies have helped the 2012 Ford Focus deliver a suite of new safety innovations. In the new Ford Focus the driver's airbag offers enhanced chest protection through a redesigned shape, and adaptive venting technology directs pressure to ensure airbag inflation is optimised for the size of the occupant.

Today, the research continues with Ford developing digital human models that will allow more extensive testing and faster development of safety technology.