European Experimental Vehicles Committee EEVC test methods to evaluate pedestrian protection afforded by passenger cars.

In 1987 the European Experimental Vehicles Committee set up Working Group 10 with the task to improve an existing proposal for an EC Directive with respect to pedestrian protection and to coordinate the necessary research. This Working Group finalized its activities in 1994. This paper gives a general description and background information of the test methods developed by EEVC WG10 for assessing the protection afforded to pedestrians by the fronts of cars in an accident. The test methods are based on three sub-system tests, essentially to the bumper, bonnet leading edge and bonnet top surface. Each of the test conditions are generally based on a car to pedestrian impact velocity of 40 km/h but for the assessment of the leading edge of the bonnet, the test conditions are adjusted to compensate for the influence of vehicle shape. The acceptance levels for the tests are based on the characteristics of the weaker sections of the adult population including the aged, who have been shown to be the most susceptible to injury. The test methods are considered to be appropriate to children, but a separate child head impact test has been included to assess their particular requirements. (A)