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In the study 140 belt-protected car drivers with foot fractures, distortions and luxations were analysed and the injury mechanisms in the car interior which are responsible for the occurance of foot fractures were defined. Accident documentations carried out from 1985 to 1990 by the traffic accident research of Hannover are the basis of these investigations. It was established that foot fractures for car drivers are, to an amount of 1.3%, quite rare. In view of the fact, however, that foot fractures result in a rather high rate of injury consequences in treatment it is shown that the demand for modifications of the vehicle interior is justified. The study demonstrates that two characteristic mechanisms must be regarded seperately: This is on the one hand in direct succession the force mechanism which always results from footroom deformations.

For this study 614 accidents of two-wheel users were investigated by a scientific research team within the framework of local accident documentations. The accident and injury situations are described, and cognitions from accident simulation tests are additionally evaluated with dummies. Throwing distances of two-wheelers and riders reveal the characteristics of the movement kinematic, in relation to impact speeds. Head impact points are described in detail and sustained injuries are recorded, divided into type and severity (AIS). Furthermore, differences of traumatizing between children and adult cyclists are discussed.

The value of on scene in-depth accident research studies has been recognized internationally and many countries worldwide have such teams. Since such detailed information is essential for improving the safety of cars, a strong collaboration with automakers developed. This resulted in Germany in a joint project between FAT (Forschungsvereinigung Automobiltechnik -Automotive Industry Research Association) and BASt (Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen -Federal Road Research Institute). The project started on July 1999 and is called “GIDAS” (German In-Depth Investigation Accident Study). The paper is describing the methodology of this project with statistically orientated procedure of data sampling on the one hand and will give an overview of procedures for the determination of impact speed on the basis of an on scene investigation on the other hand.