VW has highlighted how its research into road traffic accidents is helping to improve safety systems and reduce accident risk.

For nearly two decades Volkswagen accident research has been working closely alongside the engineers and developers at VW to sustainably reduce the risk of accidents, providing crucial information for the development of new assistance systems.

The accident research team at Volkswagen analyse around 120 accidents every yearat the scene to gather crucial data. Department head, Ralf Tenzer, says, "Every accident is evaluated in detail. If a current Volkswagen brand model is involved in an accident, the investigators at Volkswagen use cameras and measuring equipment to document a wide range of details in the shortest possible time, such as the damage to the vehicles, their location and braking distances.”

Aerial photos of the scene are taken using a drone, while a laser mounted on the accident research vehicle scans the surroundings in 3D by driving slowly past. AS team doctor will clarify how injuries to the occupants came about. All this helps to create a detailed 3D computer model.

In carrying out these tasks Accident Research has contributed significantly to the development of active assistance systems as well as pedestrian protection.

"In case of accidents at speeds below 30 km/h, whiplash is the most common type of injury", says Tenzer. "It is rarely life threatening, but a serious injury, and above all it can be prevented." Front Assist is available in many Volkswagen models, for example, starting in the Golf as standard from the Comfortline equipment version upwards.

Active safety features, which along with brake assist include systems such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), combined with passive safety equipment (including seat belts, air bags, deformation-resistant passenger cell) provide maximum protection for all vehicle occupants and other road users. "Our goal is to develop a safe and comfortable car for all. It is only possible to increase security effectively and efficiently with the correct interaction of the various components", says Tenzer.