New ADR design rule to improve side impact safety protection

2013_mercedes-benz_sl-class_Side_Impact_demonstration

New legislation has passed that will raise the standards for side impact protection in new vehicles. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has welcomed the new design rule as it “will lift vehicle safety standards and go a long way to helping save hundreds of lives”.

The new Australian Design Rule (ADR) labelled ‘Pole Side Impact Performance’ closes the gap on the equivalent provided by the United Nations Global Technical Regulation (GTR) 14. James Goodwin (CEO of ANCAP) mentioned that “ANCAP has required vehicles to undergo a pole side impact test since 2003 in order to be eligible for a 5 star safety rating which has led to a significant increase in the fitment of curtain airbags providing substantial reductions in injury in side impacts”. The new ADR will now assess the protection of occupants in all side impact scenarios, not just those with poles. Curtain airbags, thorax airbags and better crash sensors will all be tested for their effectiveness.

This is the first time Australia has lead development of a global regulation. Our progressive adaption to Global standards will increase the safety bar providing us with the safest and most environmentally friendly vehicles at a lower cost per unit.