Disappointing Safety Ratings For Cab Chassis Utes

[mcnews]

DISAPPOINTING SAFETY RATINGS FOR CAB CHASSIS UTES

Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, today announced 3-star safety ratings for two cab chassis utes – the Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series and the Nissan Patrol – following crash tests of the vehicles.

ANCAP Manager, Nicholas Clarke, said the 3-star rating for the two utes, which are popular in rural areas, was not a good result – they both provided very disappointing protection for occupants and poor protection for pedestrians struck by the front of the vehicle.

Mr Clarke said the vehicles offered minimal safety features and the passenger compartment lost structural integrity in both crash tests.

“Neither of these vehicles provided adequate occupant protection in our test – there was particularly severe deformation of the floor and footwell areas,” he said.

“While understanding these utes are built on a separate chassis and are more of a work-horse than a passenger vehicle, the results do not bode well for the driver and any occupants in the event of a severe crash. These vehicles are often driven on rural roads, where crashes as severe as the ANCAP offset crash test are not unusual – the occupants deserve better protection.

“In the centre front seating position, both vehicles have a lap-only seat belt and no air bag – the occupant is at a greatly increased risk of severe injury compared with those protected by a lap/sash seat belt and an air bag.

“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.”

ANCAP recommends at least 4 stars and preferably 5 stars for commercial vehicles. There are already several 4 and 5 star commercial vehicles on the market. ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.