Pedestrian casualties form a large proportion of road casualties in most countries. Research has shown that measures to improve car design, to mitigate pedestrian injuries in collisions, can be very effective in reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries. Therefore, as part of their target to minimise the number and consequences of road accidents, the UK Department for Transport has supported a continuing programme of research at TRL Limited on pedestrian protection. TRL's research has mainly been in support of its participation in the two pedestrian Working Groups of the European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee (EEVC). EEVC WG10 developed pedestrian test methods suitable for use in legislation and WG17 updated and finalised them. The current project commenced in April 1999 and was completed in June 2003. The project has made a major contribution to the work of EEVC WG17. The decision of the European Commission to produce a draft framework Directive based on the recommendations of EEVC WG17 is considered to be an acknowledgement of the progress made by the Working Group and indicates that the main aim of this project may be close to being achieved. TRL's work for this project relating to the EEVC test methods is summarised in this report along with TRL's input to the work of the IHRA Pedestrian Working Group. The mandate of the IHRA Working Group is to develop a series of world-wide harmonised pedestrian test methods. (Author/publisher)
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