A method has been developed that makes possible a more exact reconstruction of cycle/passenger car accidents by means of direct collision analysis, and is based on Energy-Equivalent Speed for Motorcycle (EESM) collisions.

This direct collision analysis is based on deformation energies of the passenger car and cycle as determined experimentally and independently of the particular impact counterpart ultimately intended.

Experiments were conducted to determine separately deformation energies and associated deformations by crashing cycles against a barrier at 90 degrees and by crashing a newly developed nondeformable impact carriage having a motorcycle contour against a passenger car.

This initial study has been concentrated on simulation of the most common type of accidents, that at an intersection. The cycles and impact carriage crashed against the door areas of nonmoving passenger cars or the barrier at right angles.

Impact equations were derived and the method applied incorporating the test results.