Experimental Investigation of Pedestrian Head Impacts on Hoods and Fenders of Production Vehicles

Laboratory experiments were conducted to establish baseline data on pedestrian head impacts onto the hood and fenders of production vehicles. Various vehicles from subcompact to fullsize were tested using a headform impactor. Pedestrian accident investigation files were used to identify a principal adult head impact area on the hood. Results indicate that the hood itself is a good energy absorbing structure but that bottoming frequently occurs on stiff engine and body components. It is hypothesized that significant benefits could be realized in reducing adult pedestrian head injury severity by increasing the clearance between the hood and engine to 2-3 inches in a band approximately 12 inches wide across the width of the vehicle.