The objective of the study presented in this scientific poster was to determine the specific nature of any body position adjustments made by occupants relative to their normal driving position when they become cognisant that a rear-end collision is imminent. Thirty-nine subjects 18-30 years of age participated in the study and all were unaware of the study objectives. Subjects sat on the driver's side of their personal vehicles (were not in motion) and were instructed to assume their normal position as if the vehicle was stopped in traffic. Twelve different body location measurements were performed on the subjects. The subjects were then orally informed that the vehicle was about to be impacted from the rear and told to freeze their anticipatory position. The 12 body locations were again performed and before /after changes determined. The same general types of anticipatory responses were observed in almost all of the subjects. No significant differences were noted between the 20 males or the 19 females. The results clearly indicate that subjects moved their body forward, especially their head, in anticipation of the rear-end collision. Also, they straightened their knee apparently as a bracing mechanism.
Abstract