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Back to Motoring news

Motoring news

External airbag 'to protect pedestrians'

28/04/2009

British crash specialists are testing an external airbag that could reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to pedestrians.

The U-shaped airbag that emerges from under the bonnet is one of several safety features being developed by researchers at Cranfield Impact Centre, working with manufacturers on Euro-funded projects.

It is hoped that the airbag, which lifts the bonnet and protects pedestrians from the base of the windscreen and pillars, could cut deaths by at least 5%, and improve injury statistics by a greater margin.

In 2007 there were 646 pedestrian deaths in Britain, accounting for 22% of all deaths due to accidents.

However, the team at Cranfield University believes the technology is still around five years from being integrated into production vehicles.

Roger Hardy, who led the project, told Admiral News there were no legal requirements for manufacturers to address the issue of pedestrians striking the windscreen with their heads, despite statistics showing that this is a crucial area for injuries.

Hardy said the airbag system, developed with German company Takata-Petri, had given "excellent" results when fitted to the test Fiat Stilo.

"Within the old 15 member state EU area there were around 7-8,000 pedestrian fatalities a year," he said.

"Reducing this by 5% - and possibly better - is a significant number.

"You also have the situation where people survive and need rehabilitation, which is a great cost to society."

The Cranfield team is also researching features such as bumper casing that moves forwards to provide a better 'crush depth', reducing injuries to pedestrians' legs.

Earlier this year, crash safety body Euro NCAP increased the emphasis on pedestrian protection in its testing regime.