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07/02/2011 - 4WD SURVEY
The Australian 4WD Industry Council has launched a national online public survey to collect information from the public about their use of bull bars and nudge bars. The safety of Australians that drive vehicles fitted with bull bars and nudge bars is threatened by proposed new Federal Government regulations, which are based on rules developed for the European environment and road conditions by the United Nations Economic Cooperation for Europe (UNECE). The 4WD Industry Council wants up-to-date information about bull and nudge bars – also known as "vehicle front protection systems" (VFPS) - for its consultations with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in Canberra about the proposed regulation. This regulation focuses on pedestrian safety – not vehicle and occupant safety. The Department has now released a Regulation Impact Statement for Pedestrian Safety Standards for public consultation, which closes on 15 April 2011. This document includes extensive discussion on "VFPS" and contains options for the regulation of bull bars. By completing the 4WD Industry Council's survey, readers will help meet the need for current accurate data on the use of bull and nudge bars. Spokesperson Matthew Frost said the Council hopes to learn more about vehicle types, driving patterns and critical safety issues, such as animal strikes and other impacts. Adoption of this overseas rule would make it impossible in Australia to fit bull and nudge bars, which are designed to protect drivers and passengers in front end animal strikes and other impacts. It may also ban winches and driving lights. Complete the bull bar survey "The Federal Department has released the proposed regulation for a three month consultation period. We want to collect road users' views and report them as part of the industry response," Mr Frost said. "The 12 question survey takes only moments to complete and is totally confidential. We will add this new data to a report recently commissioned by the Council to study animal strikes on Australian roads. "These Council initiatives respond to the lack of uniform data about the estimated 25,000 to 30,000 vehicle-to-animal strikes occurring each year across Australia. We do not believe that good regulatory decisions can be made without proper research and without canvassing all key issues. "The Council encourages road users to complete the on-line survey as soon as possible. The Survey closes on 31 March 2011. For every person completing the questionnaire, the Council will donate $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000," he said. To complete the bull bar survey, visit the 4WD Industry Council website at www.4wdcouncil.com.au To read the Federal Government Regulation Impact Statement for Pedestrian Safety Standards, click here. For further information and an interview about the proposed regulation: Stuart Charity Executive Director Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association 03 9545 3333
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