The design engineer can show the vehicle operator and passengers
the same concern for efficiency and safety that has been
incorporated into the industrial work place. Comfort and safety
measures, however, do not yield immediate, tangible advantages;
they represent costs assumed for the benefit of the people
involved.
Certain anatomical characteristics relating to driving comfort
have already been well documented. Spatial configuration begins
with these characteristics; in particular, the more slowly that a
driver tires, the more unlikely is an accident. Subsequently,
security measures must also be included.
Yearlong development of transports by Volkswagen have aimed at
both these goals. One such model was collision-tested according to
personal vehicle standards and the results form a basis of this
paper. Safety features concentrate on energy-absorption elements
such as telescoping components and reinforced areas.