Clinical and experimental studies on leg injuries in car-pedestrian accidents

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Bunketorp, O.¹; Aldman, B.¹; Thorngren, L.¹; Romanus, B.²

Clinical and experimental studies on leg injuries in car-pedestrian accidents

Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV)

Affiliations

¹Department of Traffic Safety, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

²Department of Orthopaedic Surgery II, University of Göteborg
Abstract

Leg injuries in car-pedestrian accidents were analysed and correlated to the speed, the bumper level and the inclination of the car front. The injury mechanisms, not always obvious in these accidents, were studied experimentally with a biomechanical impact system using human leg specimens and a mechanical leg model.

The results from these studies showed a high injury potential of a bumper impacting at or just below the knee level and of a prominent bonnet edge. The experimental studies indicated a possible way to mitigate the injury severity of the impacted lower extremity.

A smooth, compliant, force-limiting and energy-absorbing impact zone with the vertex of the front profile at 35 cm above the ground and a 60 degrees maximum front inclination angle are proposed to lower the risk for serious leg injuries and permanent walking impairment in pedestrians in this type of accident.

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Cited By (3)

Year	Entry
1994	Okamoto Y, Akiyama A, Nagatomi K, Tsuruga T. Concept of hood design for possible reduction in pedestrian head injury. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 23-26, 1994; Munich, Germany.1253-1263.
1996	Nagatomi K, Akiyama A, Kobayashi T. Bumper structure for pedestrian protection. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 13-16, 1996; Melbourne, Australia.593-601.
2005	Renaud F, Tapia F, Fredriksson R, Yang J. Development of a mechanical neck for a six-year-old pedestrian dummy. In: Proceedings of the 1st Ohio State University Injury Biomechanics Symposium. May 19-21, 2005; Columbus, OH.