A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EUROPEAN REAR IMPACTS

Abstract

A detailed analysis of rear impacts was carried out using data from the German In-Depth Accident Study ("GIDAS") including accidents from 1996 to 2004. The frequency of rear impacts compared to other modes was investigated, followed by an in-depth review of single rear impacts and rear impacts in multiple impact crash sequences. Crash characteristics such as the distributions of crash severity, overlap and masses of striking and struck cars were examined. The effect of crash severity on injury severity was investigated for cases including soft tissue neck injuries and / or other injuries. The types of injuries sustained and the effects of occupant gender, age and height, seating position