The vehicle fleet differs in mass, geometry, stiffness and many other parameters. These differences are consequences of different design objectives for these vehicles and result from consumer demand, environmental and safety considerations, etc. Accident research shows that the injury outcome differs in some cases, when two vehicles collide. Scientists often discuss a list of features that are assumed to be relevant for compatibility of vehicles. In this paper, the relevance of these potentially important compatibility features and expected compatibility measures is examined from the perspective of accident analysis. An overview of this accident research is given, and crash tests and measures are discussed that correspond with these findings. (A)
Abstract