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This study involves two areas of research. The first is the finalization of the Pedestrian Crash Data Study (PCDS) in order to provide detailed information regarding the vehicle/pedestrian accident environment and how it has changed from the interim PCDS information. The pedestrian kinematics, injury contact sources, and injuries were analyzed relative to vehicle geometry. The second area presented is full-scale attempts at reconstruction of two selected PCDS cases using the Polar II pedestrian dummy to determine if the pre-crash motion of the pedestrian and vehicle could somehow be linked to the injuries and vehicle damage documented in the case.

The handling, stability, and rollover resistance of vehicles is presently being studied by both the automotive industry and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, to study the handling and rollover behavior of each vehicle on the road is not feasible. The ability to categorize and compare the rollover and handling behavior of various vehicles is a subject of considerable research interest. This paper examines the possibility of characterizing vehicle classes through the use of a three degree-of-freedom linear model. Initially, segregation is studied by evaluating the eigenvalue location in the complex domain for vehicle sideslip velocity, yaw rate, and roll angle. Then the influence of numerator dynamics on vehicle behavior is studied and vehicle class segregation is attempted through evaluation of the amplitude ratio of the frequency responses for sideslip velocity, yaw rate, and roll angle.

This paper presents an overview of the evolution of computer simulations in vehicle collision and occupant kinematic reconstructions. The basic principles behind these simulations, the origin of these programs and the evolution of these programs from a basic analytical mathematical model to a sophisticated computer program are discussed. In addition, a brief computer development history is discussed to demonstrate how the evolution of computer assisted vehicle accident reconstruction becomes feasible for a reconstructionist. Possible future research in computer reconstruction is also discussed.

There have been a number of papers written about the dynamic effects of low speed front to rear impacts between motor vehicles during the last several years. This has been an important issue in the field of accident analysis and reconstruction because of the frequency with which the accidents occur and the costs of injuries allegedly associated with them. Several of these papers have discussed the importance of the coefficient of restitution in the accelerations and speed changes that the vehicles undergo in such impacts. These discussions often include data showing the measured restitution for impacts involving various bumper types and closing speeds. However, in most of these studies, the impacts are controlled so that direct bumper to bumper impacts occur. This paper will present the results of several rear impact tests with non-standard impact configurations.