In the study 140 belt-protected car drivers with foot fractures, distortions, and luxations were analyzed and the injury mechanisms in the car interior which are responsible for the occurrence of foot fractures were defined. Accident documentations carried out from 1985 to 1990 by the traffic accident research of Hannover are the basis of these investigations. It was established that foot fractures for car drivers are quite rare (only 1.3 %). However, because foot fractures need lengthy treatment, the demand for modifications in the vehicle interior is justified. The study demonstrates that two characteristic mechanisms which cause foot injuries must be regarded separately: a) the force mechanism which always produces footroom deformations; and b) a simple supporting and slip-off mechanism of the feet which may already occur in connection with lesser accident severities and without footroom deformations. Vehicle-technique solutions are recommended for the reduction of foot injuries.
Abstract