A comparative study of the kinematic response and injury metrics associated with adults and children impacted by an auto rickshaw

Child pedestrian-vehicle collisions are a leading public health issue and road safety challenge worldwide with injury risk four times greater in developing countries. The auto rickshaw is a common mode of urban transport in many developing countries and poses a significant risk to pedestrian safety. A comparative study was conducted of the kinematic responses and injury metrics associated with both adults and children impacted by an auto rickshaw. A Finite Element model of an auto rickshaw simulated the impact with two pedestrian Anthropometric Test Devices (ATDs), a 50th percentile adult male Hybrid III and a six-year-old child ATD at velocities between 5 and 40 km/h at front, side and rear pedestrian positions, relative to the vehicle centreline. The simulation outcomes were correlated against reported injury metrics, Head Injury Criterion (front, side and rear) and Neck Injury Criterion in front impacts and compared with pedestrian size. The results suggest that child pedestrians are subject to a relatively high risk of neck injury at velocities in excess of 15 km/h and head injury at velocities in excess of 20 km/h