Effects of Vehicle Impact Velocity on Pedestrian Fatal Injury Risk

Journal article, 2011

The effect of the vehicle speed and vehicle front shape on pedestrian fatal injury risk was investigated. The THUMS pedestrian and four vehicle FE models with different front-ends (medium sedan, minicar, one-box vehicle and SUVs) was used. The pedestrian injury risk was analyzed at speed 20, 30, 40 and 50 km/h. The results demonstrate that the impact speed and vehicle front shape are two important factors influence of the pedestrian kinematics and injuries. A significant reduction of all injuries can be achieved if the impact speed is less than 30 km/h. Head was at high injury risk in medium sedan and SUV collisions. Chest injuries risk was particular high in one-box vehicle impacts. In the minicar collision, the injury risk was the smallest if head without contact to the A-pillar. The design tendency of short front-end and wide windscreen area can be achieved the protection of the pedestrian from fatalities.