Abstract:

Pedestrians are considered vulnerable users, considering their high risk of injury or even fatality in car-to-pedestrian accidents. The post-accident injuries may lead to long-term hospitalizations and deprivation of daily activities. In this regard, car manufacturers have incorporated several new features into their products in order to minimize injury (and associated fatalities) to vehicle occupants and pedestrians, especially in the last two decades. Yet hundreds of thousands of people have died on roadways each year. From this standpoint, pedestrian injuries have become a globally recognized safety concern; hence the interest (and awareness) in pedestrian- friendly vehicle designs has increased. The automobile vehicle bumper system aims to absorb the impact energy produced by the collision and, to some extent, preserve the occupant, pedestrian, and car body. So far, the researchers have performed extensive studies in order to address the relationship between vehicle design and pedestrian safety based on numerical simulations, accident data, and crash tests. In order to better understand the influence of vehicle bumper design on pedestrian safety, the present study adopted a systematic literature review approach. It aimed to help gain better insights regarding the effects of design, material selection, and geometrical modifications on the performance of the bumper system, considering pedestrian safety. The current trends in designing pedestrian-friendly vehicle bumper designs were identified and discussed.

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