Safety assessment of wheelchair occupants in paratransit buses

Abstract

Safety assessment of passengers with disabilities travelling in their wheelchairs in paratransit buses is presented. Computational mechanics and LS-DYNA non-linear finite element code were used as tools in this study. All finite element models were partially validated using data available from experimental sled tests. The validated dummy-wheelchair-bus system, which was developed, allowed for quantitative assessment of injury criteria in several accident scenarios. Although backward seating was found beneficial in reducing severity of injuries during accidents, the outcome is sensitive to imperfect initial conditions during accidents. Material presented allows for detailed assessment of benefits and shortcomings of each configuration considered.