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Vulnerable Road Users
Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) are an important group. People are being encouraged more and more to use alternative means to cars for both health and environmental reasons. This can potentially increase the risk for pedestrians and two wheeled road users being involved in road crashes . Fatalities and serious injuries have increased for motorcyclists and cyclists over the last few years and it is important to understand the trends and factors behind these crashes. We are actively involved in investigating the cause of crashes involving VRUs and are analysing medical data within the OTS project to identify patterns, locations, types of injuries and the relationship between impact severity and injury outcomes. We are examining the effects of different front end shapes of cars and other structural changes on pedestrian kinematics, and we do substantial work on behavioural factors and road characteristics. We are also exploring the potential for in-vehicle sensors to detect vulnerable road users and deploy advanced technologies to help avoid impacts or mitigate injuries. We are also currently contributing to a new EU project (PISa) helping to develop new technologies to reduce crash involvement for motorcyclists. PISa will support the development of integrated safety systems for a range of two wheeled motor vehicles, including optimised brake performance, sensors and warning devices. We are also involved in other European projects which also look at accidents involving VRUs, including SagetyNet and TRACE. Related Project and Website Links
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- Active Safety 