PedestrianProtection

Pedestrian protection refers to the set of measures designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in traffic incidents. It covers vehicle design, road engineering, and policy measures intended to prevent collisions and lessen injury when crashes occur.

Vehicle design includes passive safety features such as deformable bumper and crumple zones, energy-absorbing front structures, and an active bonnet or hood that raises in a collision to increase clearance and reduce head contact. External airbags and pedestrian protection systems aim to cushion impact. Active safety systems, including pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and speed-limiting technologies, can help avoid impacts or reduce impact speed.

Road design and traffic management contribute to protection by improving pedestrian visibility and reducing exposure. This includes well-marked crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, safety lighting, lower vehicle speeds in urban areas, traffic calming measures, dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and urban design that prioritizes vulnerable users.

Standards and testing: International and regional regulations set requirements for pedestrian protection. UN ECE Regulation 127 and related standards address protection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users; Euro NCAP and similar crash-testing programs assess pedestrian protection performance.

Impact and adoption: Advances in vehicle safety and policy have reduced injuries in many regions, though the level of protection varies by market. Continued development of active safety features, specialized pedestrian protection devices, and improved road design are key areas for ongoing improvement.