Tag Archives: Safety

Safety of new car manufacturers

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Chery J1 ANCAP Crash Test

Chery J1 ANCAP Crash Test

Given recent crash test results from ANCAP (the Australasian New Car Assessment Program), some car buyers might be wary about purchasing vehicle brands being introduced into Australia for the first time.

Recent results include 2 stars (out of 5 maximum) for the Chery J11 and Mahindra Pik-Up and in 2010, 2 stars for the Great Wall utes.  The Geely MK and Chery J1, both small cars, scored 3 stars compared to most small cars tested by ANCAP which are scoring 4 or increasingly, 5 stars.  According to ANCAP, you are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a 1-star vehicle than a 5-star vehicle in the same crash.

However, we need to remember that we still have the Proton Jumbuck and Mitsubishi Express on sale in Australia scoring 1 star and these companies have been represented in the Australian market for many years.  There are also several ute models from long-established manufacturers that score 3 stars.  It’s also worth noting that the Great Wall wagon scores 4 stars.

So there is not a strong basis for avoiding the purchase of vehicles from brands recently introduced into the Australian market.

NRMA’s advice is to check the ANCAP crash ratings of any new vehicle you are considering buying.  We recommend 4 stars as a minimum and preferably 5.  If you are considering a second-hand car, NRMA also provides ratings based on police reports of crashes - again we recommend purchasing a vehicle from the best category.

Would you buy a car from a new car manufacturer?

Inflatable rear seat belts

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Car makers are constantly developing new technology to aid drivers.  Over the next couple of weeks we will look at eight of these new types of technology.

Ford has claimed a world first with its inflatable rear seat belt.

Ford Safety Innovation Laboratory

Ford’s Rear Inflatable Seat Belt Wins ’2011 Best New Technology’ Award

It combines an air bag with a seat belt. It inflates in a crash, and according to Ford it is aimed at providing extra protection to the neck and head by reducing the amount they move, and by spreading the load on the chest over a wider area.

This is seen as particularly important for children, with the belt being compatible with child and booster seats.

Air is pumped through a special buckle in a fraction of a second, although slower than that for an air bag.

Ford hopes it will provide the additional benefit of encouraging greater rear seat belt use because it says the inflatable belt’s extra padding and smoother edges make it more comfortable to wear.

For me this is a great innovation, as I have four kids and making sure they have their seat belt on properly (not under their arm) is a constant battle.

Do you find it difficult to get your children to correctly use a seat belt? Will a comfortable inflatable seat belt make all the difference?

Bullbars – dangerous or essential requirement?

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car with bullbar

photo credit: poppalina

The Federal Government is considering adopting an international requirement which would include the mandatory redesign of vehicles that could see bullbars outlawed.

The new law would require the fronts of vehicles to be designed to reduce the severity of injuries to pedestrians in a collision.  Under Australia’s current system, this would apply to vehicles before they are sold and registered.  It’s common in Australia for bullbars to be fitted after the vehicle is sold.

There is a strong case, based on accident data, that bullbars should not be fitted to vehicles used mainly in urban areas, as animal collisions are rare and not often dangerous to the driver.

Country residents on the other hand, see bullbars as essential as they reduce damage to their cars from collisions with large animals.

NRMA believes there is no justification for the use of bullbars in urban areas.  What do you think?

What sort of footwear do you drive in?

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We all wear footwear (some none) and the type of footwear can vary depending on where we’re going and what we’re wearing at the time.

There is currently no legislation requiring a driver to wear or not to wear footwear whilst driving a motor vehicle in the State of New South Wales.

However, if an accident was to occur and it was found that the cause of the accident was due to inappropriate or lack of footwear an offence under the Road Rules 2008, Rule 297 – Drive without proper control of vehicle, may be implied by the authorities.

The rule of drive without proper control of vehicle may include the wearer’s of high heel shoes, stilettos, bare feet and any other footwear if it is found that a driver was to drive without proper control of a vehicle.

Q. What type of footwear (if any) do you wear whilst driving and do you consider some types of footwear (or none) to be a danger on our roads?

Why do Sydney drivers have such a bad attitude towards cyclists?

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Sydney has been called one of the most hostile cities for cycling.  Many motorists continue to be frustrated sharing the road with cyclists. But according to Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore in her address to the NSW Parliament in June 2010, increasing the number of cyclists on our roads could actually decrease traffic congestion.

“The 1 per cent of inner-Sydney trips already taken by bicycle result in 25,000 fewer car trips every day.  If people commute by bike for shorter distances they provide more capacity on the already overcrowded public transport services and speed up journeys for people who have to drive,” she said.

So if cyclists are helping to ease the congestion for motorists and improve the trip for commuters, what is it that motorists find so frustrating?  Have cyclists made you late for work, or caused a distraction?

Many motorists who are also cyclists argue that riding their bikes on the road have made them better car drivers.  Some cyclists have suggested that experiencing a cycling journey through Sydney’s traffic should be a compulsory part of getting a drivers licence.

What has been your experience with sharing the road with cyclists?  Do you have any tips for safely sharing the road with them?  Would you be happier if cyclists had their own lanes?