An affordable tool based on a pedestrian-vehicle collision model to support the fieldwork and reconstruction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a free, accessible mobile tool based on a pedestrian-vehicle collision model that aids investigators in reconstructing accidents, estimating vehicle speed, impact location, and assessing avoidability, validated against experimental data.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, cost-effective mobile application that supports accident reconstruction and safety analysis using a validated collision model tailored for low and middle-income countries.

Findings

The tool accurately estimates initial vehicle speed and impact point.

Validation shows no significant difference from experimental reconstructions.

Supports fieldwork with a checklist-based input system.

Abstract

A Free access tool based on a pedestrian-vehicle collision model is presented. The model permitted the qualitative and quantitative description of the events whole dynamic by segments called pre-collision, collision, and post collision. Furthermore, it enabled the determination of the magnitude of the vehicles initial speed before the collision with a pedestrian and the location of the point position of impact on the road where the accident occurred. The models inputs are related to the evidence collected at the scene, which provides a checklist platform for supporting investigators fieldwork. Additionally, the pre-collision segment permitted the investigators to develop an avoidability study that may contribute to road safety evaluation. The model was validated, comparing the results statistically with experimental cases developed with dummies, bodies, and reconstructed cases. It is shown that there is no significant difference, thus verifying its functionality. The tool is available as a mobile app in Spanish and English, allowing significant affordability to investigators from some low and middle-income countries.