JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Spotlight on vehicle safety

Senior representatives from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) are today in Adelaide visiting the internationally-recognised Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR).

The visit coincides with a push from ANCAP and the Motor Accident Commission (MAC) on the importance of considering safety as the top priority when buying a new car.

Road Safety Minister Peter Malinauskas will join MAC Chief Executive, Aaron Chia, and ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Goodwin at the CASR impact test laboratory.

CASR plays a vital role in the determination of each ANCAP safety rating as it conducts the pedestrian protection component for all the ANCAP testing.

All vehicles which carry a 5 star safety rating from ANCAP must provide high levels of protection – not only to vehicle occupants but also to pedestrians.

Safety should be the most important consideration when buying a new car and choosing one with the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating will ensure the highest levels of safety are afforded.

Background

MAC engages CASR to undertake high quality road safety research and technical advice which is then used to implement important road safety initiatives, leading to a reduction in the human and economic losses from road crashes.

ANCAP provides transparent advice and information on the level of occupant and pedestrian protection provided by vehicles in the most common types of crashes, as well as their ability - through technology - to avoid a crash.

ANCAP has published crash test results for more than 570 passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Vehicles are awarded an ANCAP safety rating of between 1 to 5 stars indicating the level of safety they provide in the event of a crash.

Quotes attributable to Road Safety Minister Peter Malinauskas:

“When it comes to road safety, it’s a range of measures that will bring down our road toll. Safer vehicles, improved roads and infrastructure, speed restrictions and better driving behaviours combine to boost road safety.”

“Safer Vehicles is a key element of the State’s Road Safety Strategy and the nation leading research and crash testing that occurs here in Adelaide is a vital part in helping to reduce road trauma.”

“Having the ANCAP Executive in Adelaide to see the research and testing that occurs at CASR, the only facility of its kind in Australia, is a great opportunity to showcase the internationally recognised work that is produced in our state.”

Quotes attributable to MAC General Manager, Road Safety, Michael Cornish:

“The Motor Accident Commission places great importance on vehicle safety and the role it plays in preventing serious injuries and deaths on our roads.”

“Improvements in vehicle safety are helping drivers to avoid crashes and protecting passengers and other road users when crashes happen.”

“Everybody should drive the safest car they can afford and ANCAP ratings are the best way to determine this.”

Quotes attributable to ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Goodwin:

“The testing conducted at this facility forms a vital part of the ANCAP rating process.” “The CASR Impact Lab in Adelaide has conducted pedestrian protection testing for ANCAP since 2001.”

“Not only do we need to consider how well the vehicle will protect its occupants; we also need to look at how the design of the vehicle can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians.”

“Cars with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating offer pedestrian-friendly design.”