Protection of Pedestrians from Collisions With Motor Vehicles

Abstract

New vehicle models must be homologated in accordance with EC regulations on pedestrian protection. In this article, an analysis of traffic accidents and pedestrian injuries was presented first, as a result of expert examinations, and then appropriate solutions are presented for the design of the front part of the vehicle with the aim of reducing serious injuries. The severity of injuries caused by a vehicle hitting a pedestrian depends mostly on the speed of the vehicle and the shape of the front part of the vehicle. Relevant indicators of vehicle collisions with pedestrians point to inappropriate speed and late detection of pedestrians by the driver. Current technology offers active prevention of vehicle collisions with pedestrians and mitigation of the consequences of a collision if one occurs. The tendency of the development of pedestrian protection is set on the development of combined active-passive protection. Based on the pedestrian protection criteria, the method of optimizing passive systems and the method of testing protection in accordance with European regulations is presented. These are, first of all, lift-up engine bonnet, the windshield and the pedestrian airbag, which can reduce fatal injuries. The Euro NCAP program publishes the results of testing new vehicle models with regard to pedestrian protection. This increases social awareness of the importance of using technology to protect pedestrians.