Softer focus

The speed of progress in pedestrian safety features for cars has frustrated many European vehicle safety organisations, including those at independent crash test programme

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'I am continually disappointed by the lack of commitment and effort shown by manufacturers to improve the level of pedestrian protection on their vehicles,' said its chairman Claes Tingvall. 'This is an area where there are few front-runners and massive room for improvement.'

This is beginning to change with recent EU legislation and new products from companies that promise to make vehicles safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The EU Directives on Frontal Protection Systems (FPS), effective since 25 May, prohibits the sale of non-compliant, rigid structures, such as metal bull bars and metal A Frames (which exacerbate the problems of the vehicles) for the fronts of vehicles. It also introduces objective, performance standards for FPSs.

The introduction of energy-absorbing surfaces, which enhance vehicle safety, will reduce the risk of vulnerable road users of being killed or seriously injured in collisions with vehicles. By 2010-2012, all motor manufacturers that want to sell vehicles in the EU will have to incorporate systems that enhance pedestrian safety into frontal designs.