Study of Indian Population’s Eye Point to Adapt Indian Vehicle Design to Indian Anthropometry for Accident Risk Mitigation

India has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Quite a few accidents have been attributed to poor driver visibility. Driver visibility is an important factor that can help mitigate the risk of accidents. The optimal visibility of in-vehicle controls is also essential for improving driver experience. Optimized driver visibility improves driving comfort and gives confidence to the driver, ensuring the safety of drivers and subsequently that of pedestrians. Driver visibility is an important consideration for vehicle occupant packaging and SAE has defined various standards and regulations for the same. These guidelines are defined considering American anthropometry, helping OEMs create global vehicles with uniform checkpoints. However, due to anthropometric differences, a need was felt to capture and analyze Indian-specific eyellipse and eye points. To measure the eye point of the user in a controlled environment, the interiors of a passenger vehicle were simulated using a Flexible Interior Mockup (FIM). A Body Motion Tracker (BMT) camera setup was used to capture the user’s eye point related data with the help of markers while he/she was seated inside the FIM in static condition. The eye point related data was recorded at five different recline angles while giving the user complete control over the seat slide position. Taking the Indian population specific eye point into consideration along with SAE standards for the design and positioning of vehicle components, in vehicles made for India will help optimize the visibility for Indian drivers and reduce the risk of accidents. It will also help improve the overall driving experience while positively affecting the safety level of drivers, passengers and pedestrians.