RESUMO
OBJECTIVE@#Using computer simulation to analyze the effects of speed, type of automobile and impacted position on crash-course and injuries of pedestrians in automobile vs. pedestrian accidents.@*METHODS@#Automobiles (bus, minibus, car and truck) and pedestrian models were constructed with multi-body dynamics computing method. The crashes were simulated at different impact speeds (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 km/h) and different positions (front, lateral and rear of pedestrians). Crash-courses and their biomechanical responses were studied.@*RESULTS@#If the type of automobile and impact position were the same, the crash-courses were similar (impact speed < or = 60 km/h). There were some characteristics in the head acceleration, upper neck axial force and leg axial force.@*CONCLUSION@#Multi-body dynamics computer simulation of crash can be applied to analyze crash-course and injuries (head, neck and leg) of pedestrians.