The relative importance of pedestrian accidents with respect to other road accidents is considered, and the general characteristics of pedestrian accidents in Great Britain described. Data on the heights of pedestrian casualties are presented and it is shown how this can be used in vehicle design to reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries. A review of the literature appertaining to pedestrian accidents is made.

The methodology of an at-the-scene study of pedestrain acccidents is described. The accidents investigated are described and compared with the population from which they were taken. Biases in the sample are noted. Other data available for analysis is described.

A detailed analysis of the injuries sustained by pedestrians struck by the fronts of cars or light goods vehicles is made. It is shown that head and leg injuries are the injuries most frequently sustained by pedestrians, and that head injuries are the injuries most frequently responsible for death. The elderly are shown to be particularly susceptible to injury.

The influence of vehicle design on pedestrian injury is examined. It is shown that, for current vehicle designs, the risk of serious leg injury is lessened by reducing bumper lead and height. Knee injuries are shown to be more likely when the bumper height is 50cm. The location of the head contact on the vehicle is shown to influence the severity of the head injuries, contact with the windscreen frame being more serious than contact with the bonnet or windscreen glass.

Finally the vehicle design changes that would have to be made to reduce the number and severity of pedestrian casualties are examined and the general shape of the front structure of a 'pro-pedestrian' vehicle outlined.