Foot and ankle injury:​ the roles of driver anthropometry, footwear, and pedal controls

Crandall, Jeff R.<sup>1</sup>; Martin, Peter G.<sup>1</sup>; Bass, Cameron R.<sup>1</sup>; Pilkey, Walter D.<sup>1</sup>; Dischinger, Patricia C.<sup>2</sup>; Burgess, Andrew R.<sup>2</sup>; O'Quinn, Timothy D.<sup>2</sup>; Schmidhauser, Carl B.<sup>2</sup>

Affiliations

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of driver anthropometry, footwear, and interaction with the pedal controls on the risk of foot and ankle injury. An analysis of national accident data base files determined that women and shorter drivers were at increased risk of injury in frontal crashes. The investigation also showed a positive correlation between injury risk and pedal interaction. A driving simulator was used to investigate the relationship between driver anthropometry and foot placement on the brake pedal. Increased heel rise and foot movement during braking were identified with the shorter drivers. An experimental investigation of footwear showed a 20% variation in leg loads depending on the style of shoe and a increased likelihood of ankle stability with women's high heel shoes.

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