Safety implications of a pedestrian protection system: the driver's point of view. (20th August 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jamson, Samantha L.; Jamson, A. Hamish
• Is Part Of: International journal of vehicle design. Volume 45:Number 3(2007)
• Page Start: 397
• Page End: 410
• Publication Date: 2007-08-20
• Subjects: active bonnet -- occlusion -- driver performance -- safety -- pedestrian protection systems -- human factors -- vehicle design -- driver visual field -- field of vision -- driver behaviour; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; 629.231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-3369

Abstract

Active pedestrian protection systems can mitigate the outcome of a collision. This study investigated whether an active bonnet could have any negative impacts on the driver as, when deployed, it partially occludes the driver's visual field. When the bonnet was deployed, drivers decreased their speed. On straights, drivers maintained their speed and lateral control for up to three seconds of partial occlusion. For curved sections, this reduced to two seconds. When occlusion was lifted, drivers tended to then deviate in lane – a possible 'panic' effect. As drivers became more familiar with the system, they applied the brakes less.