PRIORITIES FOR EU MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY DESIGN

Figure 3: Collision Direction – fatally injured casualties –UK and German data.
Other 16%
Roll 4%
Rear 3%
Front 36%
Side 39%
UK data
Rear 1% Roll 1%
Front 48%
Side 48%
German data
The data highlight the importance of fatal side impacts (39% UK Co-operative Crash Injury
and 48% Medical University of Hannover), which marginally exceed the total fatalities in
frontal collisions. The nature of the collision partner, figure 4, shows some differences
between the two countries, 41% of UK fatalities die in collisions with other cars compared
with only 25% in Germany. In contrast 50% of German fatalities die in collision with poles or
trees compared to only 12% in the UK.
Analysis of the injuries reveals that life threatening injuries are most commonly sustained by
the head and chest in pole impacts and other side collisions. The protection of these body
regions is a priority in injury reduction.
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