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Utes dragging the chain on safety


Utes dragging the chain on safety

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Author: NRMA MediaDate: 03 December 2010

The Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and the Nissan Patrol have barely rated three stars in the latest ANCAP ratings announced by NRMA Motoring & Services and the NSW Centre for Road Safety.

NRMA vehicle safety expert Jack Haley said three stars out of five was a real concern for the safety of drivers and passengers as the NRMA recommends four (and preferably five) star rated vehicles only.

"These two vehicles are popular in rural areas and proved not only to be disappointing in protecting occupants but poor in protecting pedestrians struck by the front of the vehicle," Mr Haley said.

NSW Centre for Road Safety Director Dr Soames Job said these vehicles are often driven on rural roads, where crashes as severe as the ANCAP offset crash test were not unusual.

Dr Job said the vehicles offered minimal safety features and the passenger compartment lost its structural integrity in both crash tests and there was particularly severe deformation of the floor and footwell areas. Neither vehicle had features that would assist drivers to avoid a crash, making these findings all the more worrying.

"The occupants deserve better protection," Dr Job said.

"In the centre front seat, both vehicles have a lap-only seat belt and no air bag which puts a passenger in this position at a greater risk of injury in the event of a crash.

"Research shows that, for every star you take off, the risk of serious and life-threatening injury increases. Owners and drivers of commercial vehicles need to consider safety in the event of a crash. ANCAP has concerns about the safety ratings for these two utes."

For a full list of vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, visit the RTA.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the Australian and New Zealand governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

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