Citation

Enomoto H, Akiyama K. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 2005; 2005: 7p.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To realize a dream of “zero-nize” the fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents, or even accidents themselves, related to commercial vehicles, future concepts for both large truck and small delivery truck, with a name ASV concept L (long haul truck), and ASV concept C (city use) were studied. The newest available traffic accident statistics in Japan were used for analyses of the characteristics of accidents for each type of commercial vehicles involved. The results showed that the accidents related to large trucks and ones related to small trucks are quite different. Among the accidents related to large trucks used mainly for long haul use, which consist 15% of all fatalities, almost 50% of the fatalities are car occupants. For the small trucks used mainly in city for delivery purpose, almost 40% of the accidents are with pedestrians and cyclists. From these analyses, it was concluded that the following three areas are the most important areas to tackle: 1. Frontal collision between car and large trucks; 2. Rear-end collision of large trucks; and 3. Small truck accidents of pedestrians and cyclists at intersections. In ASV concept L, an Energy Absorbing Front Structure was proposed to reduce injuries of car occupants, and a 50% decrease in fatalities in such accidents may be possible with the structure. A Pre-crash Safety System is proposed to cope with rear-end collisions. With millimeter-wave length radar, objects are found and the system gives warning to the driver. In case the driver takes no avoiding maneuver, the system automatically applies the brake to reduce the impact speed. In ASV concept C, Body Structure for Pedestrian Safety was proposed. Blind-spot Monitoring System for vehicle front, rear and below to assist the driver; Ultra-thin Pillar for better frontal view; and Pedestrian Detection and Warning System were proposed.