Auto-pedestrian accidents - one of the most important factors in motor vehicle deaths and injuries - were studied with the precise techniques of full-scale accident simulation. Thirty-eight anthropometric dummies, instrumented with triaxial accelerometers, were impacted under representative auto-pedestrian's corresponding body gyrations, displacements and subsequent pavement contacts varying with the size and speed of the impacting vehicle: the portion of the front and contacting the pedestrian: the direction height, and his walking or standing postures. Other factor under study concerned the relationship that vehicle braking and special vehicle structures bear to auto-pedestrian injuries. Thirty special photographic devices provided coverage for data reduction and documentary film production. Post-impact observations provided data of considerable value in accident reconstruction.
Abstract