New crash test rules for 2018
Compact cars and utes to face tougher side impact testing under new legislationThe Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has endorsed tougher new rules it says will make cars safer.
The federal government has announced a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) for Pole Side Impact Performance, which will apply to compact (aka light) cars from November 2017 and utes (or light commercial vehicles) from July 2018.
It means car makers will need to offer improved side impact protection in two of the most popular vehicle segments in Australia at present.
Side impacts, such as when a car slams into a tree or a pole, are not uncommon and ANCAP says improvements in this area will save lives.
"This is a welcome development that will lift vehicle safety standards and go a long way to helping save hundreds of lives," ANCAP CEO, James Goodwin said.
The newly announced ADR falls into line with global standards, chiefly United Nations Global Technical Regulation 14, or GTR 14.
According to ANCAP, if vehicles do not adhere appropriately to the updated rules they are less likely to achieve the coveted five-star rating. ANCAP claims its testing has been a key motivator for car makers to improve occupant safety levels.
"ANCAP has required vehicles to undergo a pole side impact test since 2003 in order to be eligible for a five star safety rating which has led to a significant increase in the fitment of curtain airbags, providing substantial reductions in injury in side impacts," Goodwin said.
"We work to continually raise the safety bar in the vehicle fleet and will modify the pole side impact test from 2018 to make it more demanding for new vehicles to be able to earn a five star safety rating.
"I look forward to working with the Australian Government and the automotive industry as ANCAP moves to strengthen its rating protocols."
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