Determining the impact velocity of a striking vehicle in a bicycle-involved collision is arguably the most difficult part of preparing an analysis or reconstruction of such an event. A series of crash tests was conducted to relate the impact velocity of the striking vehicle to the throw distance for the cyclist, in order to help the accident reconstructionist. This series of tests was conducted using a 1984 four-door Toyota Corolla and an articulated dummy astride a group of similar bicycles. The dummy/bicycle arrangement was struck at velocities ranging from 16 to 27 mph relative to the cyclist. The testing showed that a thorough examination of the vehicle, bicycle, and scene is essential, if one is to gather sufficient information to determine the striking velocity of a vehicle in this collision type.
Samenvatting