Impact modelling studies for a three-wheeled scooter taxi

Area of Science:

• Road Safety Engineering
• Vehicle Dynamics and Simulation
• Human Factors in Transportation

Background:

• Three-wheeled scooter taxis (TSTs) are prevalent public transport in Asia, lacking standardized crash safety specifications.
• Current TST designs present safety concerns for occupants and other road users during collisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the crash characteristics of TSTs using computer simulations.
• To develop practical guidelines for enhancing TST safety in collisions with pedestrians and vehicles.

Main Methods:

• Crash simulations were performed using MADYMO software for standard and modified TSTs.
• Impact scenarios included collisions with pedestrians and bus fronts at 10-30 km/h.
• Modeling considered a driver and one passenger within the TST.

Main Results:

• Standard TST occupants face high injury metrics (HIC, contact forces) in bus collisions at ≥20 km/h.
• Minor design adjustments offer limited improvements; significant modifications are required for substantial safety gains.
• Pedestrian impact simulations suggest altering TST front design could reduce impact forces.

Conclusions:

• Crash simulation models like MADYMO offer an effective, cost-efficient method for improving safety in indigenous vehicle designs.
• Implementing design changes in TSTs and bus fronts is crucial for mitigating collision severity.
• Further research and development are needed to enhance the crashworthiness of TSTs and similar vehicles in developing regions.