ABSTRACT
Each year in the European Union, approximately 7,000 pedestrians and 2,000 cyclists are killed as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle, accounting for about 20 per cent of total road traffic deaths (ETSC, 1999). In addition, each year an estimated 400,000 pedestrians and cyclists are injured by vehicle impact. The majority of pedestrian accident casualties are the very young and the very old, and injuries are sustained as a result of impact by a passenger car front. The European Commission is considering recommendations for pedestrian test procedures that will define performance targets aimed at reducing these pedestrian casualties in Europe. The total number of cars sold in the European Community market is 12 million per year, so this legislation may result in significant benefits.
