This project was undertaken to evaluate the level of protection afforded occupants of current generation passenger cars available on the Australian market and to provide directions for future improvements in occupant protection. A literature review was initially undertaken to highlight reported vehicle occupant injuries and sources of injury as well as countermeasures, which are presently under consideration overseas. A mass database was constructed of injury compensation data at the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria, supplemented with police and some make / model information, for detailed analysis. In addition, a program was undertaken of detailed inspections of 227 crashed vehicles where at least one occupant was hospitalised to provide details on sources of injury from current generation vehicles involved in road crashes.