High Speed, Rear End, Partial Overlap Crash Test of a Large Sedan and Stationary Commercial Trailer

Abstract

Crash scenarios involving a rear end impact are common place internationally. Some of the most devastating collisions are often where a sedan collides into the rear of a commercial trailer, partial overlap. This type of crash is almost always with serious or fatal consequences. With a high number of these identified in a recent high profile Major Crash Investigation (MCI), a real life high speed test of this scenario was undertaken. Obtaining data from such a crash in a controlled environment for future comparative analysis is rarely presented. This paper presents a brief overview of the setup and results of the high speed rear end, sedan to stationary commercial trailer.