USING IN-DEPTH ACCIDENT DATA TO PROMOTE SAFER CAR DESIGN

In-depth accident studies provide legislators and vehicle manufacturers with a vital insight into how people are injured in vehicle accidents. In injury studies, an investigation of a crashed vehicle, and possibly the accident scene, is correlated with the injuries to the crash victims. This is done to determine the mechanisms of occupant injuries. The largest car occupant injury study in the UK is the co-operative Crash Injury Study (CCIS). The investigation is in its fifth phase, and since 1983 has provided information which has been used to support changes to vehicle design and legislation. If the number of casualties is to be reduced it is necessary to investigate accidents and gain an understanding of how they occur in the real world. Accident investigation is carried out in many ways; on a national basis the police collect data pertaining to accidents involving death or personal injury. This data is collated on a standard form and is then computerised to permit national statistical analyses. Regional and local surveys are conducted by highway authorities. Other, more specialised investigations, are carried out by police accident investigation teams, universities and other research bodies. Road accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. They are usually the outcome of a combination of interacting components involving the vehicle, the road user and road environment. For a detailed understanding of accidents it is necessary to study them in some depth. The project is managed by the Transport Research Laboratory. It is funded mostly by the Department of Transport, via the Vehicle Standards and Engineering Unit (VSE). Additional funding is provided by five vehicle manufacturer co-sponsors. These are Ford, Honda, Nissan, Rover and Toyota. The study generates reports on around 1500 vehicles per year. The objective of the co-operative crash injury study are: Develop an understanding of mechanisms of injury to car occupants; support legislation for improved car occupant protection; provide information on the crash-worthiness of vehicles and safety devices; identify the needs for improved vehicle safety as changes take place; provide bio-mechanical information for researchers who are developing crash dummies. The most notable research to come from this study has resulted in changes to European front and side impact legislation. This research is helping to promote safer car design. (A)