A study of influence of vehicle speed and front structure on pedestrian impact responses using mathematical models
Journal article, 2002
A validated pedestrian multibody model was used to investigate the influences of impact speed and
vehicle front structure on the pedestrian dynamic responses in vehicle collisions. To predict the
injury risks of pedestrians at different impact speeds, the injury-related parameters concerning
head, chest and lower extremity areas were calculated from mathematical simulations. Four vehicle
types including large and compact passenger cars, minivans and light trucks were simulated
according to their frequency of involvement in real world accidents. The influences of various
vehicle front shape and compliance parameters were analyzed.
Based on the results from the parametric study, the possible benefits from speed control in urban
area were assessed, and a feasible speed limit was proposed to reduce the risks of pedestrian
injuries. Moreover, the possible countermeasures on basis of vehicle front design to mitigate the
injury severity of the pedestrians were discussed.
Impact Speed
Mathematical Modeling
Vehicle Front Design
Pedestrian