[The pedestrian-automobile accident at lower velocity. Experimental studies of biomechanical and clinico-prognostic topics].

The influence of bumper configuration on injury patterns resulting from car/pedestrian collisions were analyzed. 18 experimental settings were carried out on the deceleration device of the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover using a middle class passenger car at collision speed of 32 km/h. Three modifications of the standard bumper design did not reduce the severity of injuries induced by collision. Comparatively promising results were given by another bumper construction consisting of an additional bumper relatively easy to deform attached to the standard variant at a level of 12 cm below. Authors discuss findings regarding injury patterns, injury mechanisms and subsequent implications. Based on trauma surgeons' experience it is suggested not only to aim on reduction of bone injuries. Major attention has to be paid on improving rehabilitation prognosis and on reducing medical treatment expenses. According to data available soft tissue damage is of major importance and needs to be quantified before taking one particular bumper construction as pedestrian friendly design.