-Fatality rates are higher in side collisions with structures-
In the previous section, we observed the driver fatality rates in relation to vehicle speed. Here, the fatality rates for belted drivers are analyzed in relation to the location of impact on the vehicle.
The location of impact is classified as the front, front corner, side, others (rear corner or rear), and multiple crashes in which there is more than one location of impact. The number of fatalities, seriously injured, slightly injured, casualties, and the fatality rates are shown in Table 6 for each impact location.
Among the total fatalities, the 1,046 drivers killed in frontal collisions account for more than half (52%). In this type of collision, 63,625 casualties are also observed (53%), so it is reasonable to attribute a large number of deaths to a high incidence of frontal collisions with structures.
As for the fatality rates, there is a remarkably high rate of 7.6% when the impact is to the side of the vehicle compared to other locations. One possible reason for this is a lack of sufficient space for crushing on the side of the vehicle. While the engine compartment is crushed in frontal collisions with the result that the passenger compartment is not greatly deformed, the only part that can be crushed in a side collision is the door, which may not be able to prevent deformation of the passenger compartment and severe injury to the occupants. Another possible reason is the limited effect of the seat belt: this analysis deals with belted drivers only, but unlike in frontal collisions where the seat belt prevents the driver from being thrown forward, it cannot sufficiently restrain the driver from moving sideways during
a side collision.
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For more detailed examination, the number of fatalities, seriously injured, slightly injured, casualties, and the fatality rates are shown in Table 7 for belted drivers involved in side collisions for each roadside structure.
From this, the most dangerous structure in side collisions proves to be the utility pole, with the worst fatality figure of 176 (46%) and the worst fatality rate of 12%. This rate is much higher than that of frontal collisions (1.7%), noted below Table 7, suggesting considerable injury to occupants in side collisions.
Looking at the parts of the body where the driver was fatally injured (main injured part) in side collisions, a high percentage (63%) of the drivers crashing into a utility pole suffered deadly injury to their head (Table 8).
With the impact of a side collision with a utility pole, only a small part of the vehicle side is heavily crushed because of the thin shape of utility poles. In addition, the tall shape of utility poles helps such deformation to reach the roof of the vehicle and thus cause lethal injury to the occupant's head, as reported in a traffic accident study. This unique shape of utility poles that differs from other structures may have increased the fatality rates.
Guard fences are expected to reduce the injury from side collisions, but it is difficult to install them on all roads.
In this case, some safety measures must be taken on vehicles. Against side collisions with a utility pole or other types of accidents with high fatality rates, the roof, door and floor on the side(s) of the vehicle can be strengthened to protect the passenger compartment, and fitting a side curtain airbag is an effective solution to protect the occupants' heads. As seen, safety measures to reduce the injury from traffic accidents are essential both on roads and on vehicles.
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