PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST PROTECTION ON ROAD VEHICLES WITH HIGH OR FLAT FRONTS

Many pedestrians and cyclists are killed and injured worldwide by being struck by the fronts of large vehicles. The EU countries are preparing to introduce car fronts which offer protection to pedestrians struck by them. Protection for pedestrians struck by vehicles larger than cars as well as by cars is needed worldwide but particularly in less developed countries. This paper (1) suggests how such protection can be introduced into the design of all vehicles larger than cars, and discusses the design problems to be solved and the way in which the existing test procedures might be used. Air bags might be used as an alternative to provide frontal protection, either wholly or just locally where flexible cushioning cannot readily be fitted. Another alternative is the provision of an electronic warning system to enable the vehicle to be braked in time to avoid, or reduce, the severity of impacts into vulnerable road users. The pros and cons of the various safety measures are discussed.