5 Machine vs. Man: Human Subjects Crash Testing
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Dynamic Chiropractic – November 3, 2003, Vol. 21, Issue 23

Machine vs. Man: Human Subjects Crash Testing

DVD Review By Stephen Savoie, DC

By Steven Savoie, DC, DABCO
Title: Machine vs. Man: Human Subjects Crash Testing
Author: Arthur C. Croft, DC, MS, MPH, FACO, FACFE
Publisher: Spine Research Institute of San Diego
Purpose: Doctor, student, attorney and patient education
Price: $395


image - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark This is the newest version of the Machine vs. Man program in DVD format. This program was originally released in VHS format, but many doctors found it difficult to use in the courtroom setting, especially when trying to rewind or find a specific place on the tape. The DVD format provides a higher definition image, and finding the exact spot you want is as easy as point and click.

The program represents a total of 25 human crash tests conducted at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. These tests were filmed with multiple cameras; high-speed video and film; in-car cameras; off-board beta-cameras; digital video; etc. The tests include a wide range of motor vehicle crashes; high-speed airbag-deployment crashes; sideswipes; side impacts; front impacts; and, of course, low-speed rear-impact crashes (LOSRIC). Each crash sequence has headers describing the crash metrics, and unique to each set of images is a bumper shot showing the interactions of the crash partner's bumpers. Most often, the images demonstrate that even very jarring impacts may result in no property damage. This is extremely useful information when you are confronted by the insurance industry's attitude of "no crash - no cash" that seems so prevalent today.

The images speak for themselves. Once you watch what happens to the test subjects, you will never again have any doubt about injuries caused by low-speed collisions. It is the type of evidence no reasonable person can deny, and hopefully, juries are made up of reasonable people. This DVD program is a tremendous asset to any practice that treats victims of motor vehicle crashes. It clearly and precisely shows the kinds of forces involved, and dramatically shows what happens to occupants. I highly recommend this program to doctors with personal-injury patients.

Dr. Savoie's rating:

image - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 10 out of 10


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