Evaluation of NASS-CDS Side Crash Delta-V Estimates using Event Data Recorders.

This study will investigate the accuracy of WinSMASH ΔV estimates in real-world side crashes. Methods This study uses biaxial ΔV data from event data recorders (EDRs) to assess the accuracy of side crash ΔV estimates in NASS-CDS crash cases. Single-event side crashes were identified in the NASS-CDS for which a) WinSMASH ΔV had been coded and b) biaxial EDR data was available. For these crashes, the WinSMASH-estimated resultant ΔV was compared with the EDR-recorded resultant ΔV to assess the accuracy of the former. EDR ΔV values were adjusted for an assumed average restitution value of 10 %, based on values reported in the literature. Principal Direction of Force (PDOF) is the orientation of the net crash impulse relative to the vehicle and is a key parameter in WinSMASH reconstructions. NASS-CDS PDOF estimates were compared to the PDOF computed from the EDR data to assess their accuracy as well. Results WinSMASH systematically overestimates EDR ΔV by about 12.9 % for cars struck by cars, and by about 2.4 % for cars struck by LTVs. ΔV error was significantly different (at 95% confidence) for crashes to different areas of the vehicle side. The mean discrepancy in NASS-CDS PDOF was -0.9° with a standard deviation of 12.6°. Discussion WinSMASH systematically overestimates ΔV at common velocity by about 13 % for cars struck by cars and about 2 % for cars struck by LTVs. Since WinSMASH's assumption of zero restitution is accounted for in this analysis, this suggests tha...
Source: Traffic Injury Prevention - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tags: Traffic Inj Prev Source Type: research