Biomechanics, Accident Analysis and Vehicle Safety

Jeya Padmanaban JP Research, Inc. December 5, 2007

Traffic Safety is a Global Issue

The most significant contributors to traffic deaths include:
Lack of seat belt and helmet use, Alcohol impairment, Speed, and Poor road awareness

Collect Field Data

Collect accident, vehicular, and environmental data to identify:
What categories of road users are involved in crashes?

Pedestrians/bicyclists/rickshaws/three wheelers Disobey traffic lights/speeding/alcohol Poor visibility/wet roads/rural area

What behavior patterns lead to crashes?

Under what conditions do crashes occur?

Injury Mechanisms/ Causation

Create Local Solutions

Collect data on crash scene investigations Create public awareness for use of safety features (helmets, belts etc.) Heighten EMS awareness Gather information as a basis for tests and standards Understand injury mechanisms through computer modeling

US Crash Data
US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS):
Census of all vehicle crashes occurring on public trafficways that result in death within 30 days of crash.

National Automotive Sampling System (NASS):

Representative sample of tow-away crashes investigated in detail by NASS teams consisting of engineers, biomechanical experts, medical personnel, and statisticians.

Unique Variables in NASS/CDS

Delta-V NASS uses CRASH3 software Injury scheme AIS 0-6 (abbreviated injury scale) Number of quarter turns; type of rollover Roof deformation location/magnitude/direction Nature of injuries detailed classification Injury source vehicular component; ground Occupant height and weight

Purpose of NASS Data

Assessment of the overall state of traffic safety, and identification of existing and potential traffic safety problems. Obtaining detailed data on the crash performance of passenger cars, light trucks, vans, and utility vehicles. Evaluation of vehicle safety systems and designs. Increasing knowledge about the nature of crash injuries, as well as the relationship between the type and seriousness of a crash and the resultant injuries. Assessment of the effectiveness of motor vehicle and traffic safety program standards. Evaluation of alcohol and safety belt use programs. Evaluation of the effect of societal changes, such as increased traffic flow and increased large truck traffic.

Source: NHTSA, USA.

NASS Data Example

Rollover: Severe Roof Deformation, Minor Injury
(NASS Case 1997-48-144C) Right Front Occ.
(near side) Belted 41 year old female HFN: MAIS 1 Torso: MAIS 0 Vertical Intrusion: 3 to 6 inches

Left Front Driver

(far side) Belted 41 year old male HFN: MAIS 1 Torso: MAIS 0 Vertical Intrusion: 18 to 24 inches

1997 Ford E-Series Van: 6 quarter turns, rolled right

Source: NASS Crashworthiness Data System, a specific NASS database of about 5,000 crashes a year involving passenger cars, light trucks, vans, and utility vehicles.

NASS Data Example

Case Summary Report:
Crash Summary Structure Case Summary Vehicles Occupants Structure Vehicles Events Vehicles Person

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Scene Diagram Report:

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Photos Report:

NASS Data Example

General Vehicle Report:
Vehicle Vehicle Identification Weight Inspection Official Records Police Reported Driver Pre-Crash Environment General Conditions Roadway Traffic Control
97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

General Vehicle Report (cont.):
Driver General Distractions AOPS Air Bag Related Rollover Rollover Data Rollover Initiation Reconstruction Heading Angle at Impact

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

General Vehicle Report (cont.):
Reconstruction Reconstruction Data Delta V Highest Computer Generated Delta V Barrier Equivalent Speed Confidence Level Estimated Delta V

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Exterior Vehicle Report:
Vehicle Vehicle Identification Weight Inspection General Damage Tires Specifications Original Specifications

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Exterior Vehicle Report (cont.):
Crush Profile CDC Event Number Fuel Fuel System Number Fire

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Interior Vehicle Report:
Vehicle Vehicle Identification Integrity Passenger Compartment Integrity Opening Integrity Glazing

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Interior Vehicle Report (cont.):
Intrusion Instrument Panel Steering Steering Column Steering Worksheet Contact Ejection/Entrapment Ejection

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Vehicle Safety Report:
Vehicle Vehicle Identification Seats Row and Location Seat Air Bag Ever Available

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Vehicle Safety Report (cont.):
Restraints Automatic Row and Location Restraints - Manual Row and Location Airbag Air bag Function Occupant Child Seat

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Vehicle Sketches Report:

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Intrusion Sketches Report:

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Interior Contact Sketches Report:

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Occupant Report:
Occupant Occupant Information Police Reported Ejection Entrapment Seat Definition Head Restraint Seat Child Seat Used

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Occupant Report (cont.):
Air Bag Air Bag Function Air Bag Switch Damage Air Bag Evaluation Delta V Child Seat

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Occupant Report (cont.):
Seat Belt Manual Automatic Injury Injury/Treatment Injury/Medical

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Occupant Report (cont.):
Injury Codes Number Vital Signs

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Injury Sketches Report:

97-48-144C

NASS Data Example

Photos Report:

Where do we start?
Fatalities/Serious injuries Focus on areas where most of the fatalities/serious injuries occur Accident Investigation (small steps)/ Injury mechanisms Hospital connection Collect and analyze data on few important variables Quality control procedures