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Vehicle change in velocity is recognized as one of the most influential parameters on occupant kinematics and injury potential in motor vehicle collisions. Basic engineering principals and some recent epidemiological research indicate the characteristics of the vehicle velocity change, such as the shape and duration of the acceleration vs. time pulse, may also be important. Automotive bumper designs could be enhanced by recognizing these characteristics to potentially influence occupant kinematics and Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) in low speed rear impacts. Low speed rear impacts were conducted with a Delta V of 11 km/h using the BioRID P3 anthropomorphic test device. Nominal pulse durations of 80, 100, 140 and 180 msec were tested by varying the dimensions of a foam interface between the impacting pendulum and the rear surface of the test vehicle.

Interest in the mitigation of whiplash associated disorders (WAD) has increased in priority over the last 10 years, and an increasing number of human subject rear-end collision tests have been conducted to assist in the understanding of WAD. Traditionally this testing has examined the effects of variations in occupant characteristics (age, height, gender, etc.), seat characteristics (geometrical and constitutive), and impact severity. This data has resulted in advancements in the understanding of WAD and has provided occupant performance corridors at specific velocity changes, however no controlled study has examined the singular effect of incremental velocity change increases on occupant kinematics. Moreover, while vehicle velocity change is typically employed as a singular measure of impact severity, it is of interest to examine whether this or other impact-related parameters, such as energy or acceleration, are also correlated with occupant kinematics.

Determination of vehicle speed at the time of impact is frequently an important factor in accident reconstruction. In many cases some evidence may indicate that the brake pedal of a striking vehicle was disengaged, and the vehicle was permitted to idle forward prior to impacting the target vehicle. This study was undertaken to analyze the kinematic response of various vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions while idling, with the transmissions in drive and the brake pedals disengaged. An array of sedans, SUV's and pickup trucks were tested under 3 roadway conditions (flat, medium slope and high slope). The vehicle responses are reported and mathematical relationships were developed to model the idle velocity profiles for flat and sloped roadway surfaces.