On Wed, 22 Oct 2003, Jeff Oxroad wrote:

> (FWIW I even saw plans for a prototype for a hinged bar of sorts off the
> front of a Volvo that would, if the vehicle hit a child or pedestrian,
> lift the child onto the hood of the vehicle--this one never made it into
> production as you know. I think again for obvious reasons.)

This sort of idea is coming back.  Some European makes are experimenting
with putting devices under the hood hinges that will quickly pop the hood
up slightly in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.  The idea is to
let the hood deform more without contacting the hard, unyielding cylinder
head.  This apparently lowers the risk of head injuries to the pedestrian
significantly.  The idea works; the only problem now is developing the
proper sensors to fire it.

I don't expect to ever see this in the U.S. unless it's mandated.  It's
hard enough selling people on devices that protect them...they're not
going to spend money on devices designed to protect others.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si