Modelling traumatic brain injury in pedestrian involved in backover collisions

Abstract

Backover collisions causing Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are underreported, and its severity may have been overlooked and underestimated. We conducted a series of pedestrian impact simulations involving backover collisions with a reversing vehicle, at a low speed of 10 km/h, to determine the risk of sustaining severe TBIs. Our modelling studies revealed a significant risk despite the 'moderate' impact configuration applied. By systematically performing injury analyses based on selected mechanical parameters, we found that TBI risk involved in primary head strike with a striking vehicle was almost negligible because of the low-speed collision, but significant injuries result from ground impact. Our study also demonstrated that pedestrians are potentially at a greater risk for TBI when struck by a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) than a conventional sedan, because the impact energy would be effectively transmitted from the SUV via its flat rear surface with a steep angle.