Setting
new standards in vehicle crash testing, this month the APV Test Lab completed ANCAP’s first official full frontal crash testing.
By adopting the latest international test protocols for vehicle safety, APV is positioned as one of the most advanced dynamic crash test facilities in
the world. Representatives from EuroNCAP were here this week reviewing the results and lessons learn’t - with the objective of ensuring that ANCAP
test results from Australia can be recognised internationally. This would position ANCAP and Australia to provide an increased role in supporting the
Automotive Industry and Vehicle Safety across the region.
For the first time fully instrumented 5th percentile female crash dummies are put through the rigours of a Frontal Car Crash at 50 kph. This sets a new
standard with a far more severe test than prior ANCAP testing or the ADR testing. It simulates a small female adult, who is seated close to the steering
wheel and is at higher risk from head injuries and aggressive airbag inflation during a severe frontal crash test. The most modern Vehicle Safety Systems,
measure how far forward the seat is located and the weight of the occupant and will tune the airbag firing and seatbelts to better protect smaller
adults during such accidents. The new test protocol will encourage all manufacturers to adopt these systems and strive for even higher levels of safety.
Similarly in the past, the sophistication of the safety systems for passengers in the rear seats has not been adequately measured. Now, for the first time
we are measuring this and undoubtably will provide valuable feedback to the car companies and encourage the adoption of new levels of safety for passengers
in the rear of the vehicle - including of course our children as they are growing up. More often than not, it is our loved ones travelling in the car
with us. So this is a really exciting development in Vehicle Safety Testing. Something I strongly support.
Once the official ANCAP ratings are released, we will load video footage of the crash testing onto the site. Footage that is using the worlds most advanced
High Speed High Definition (HSHD) photography using Phantom Flex and Veo cameras.
Harry Hickling
Managing Director.
Attached photo - “Harry Hickling, Managing Director with the two new Instrumented 5th Percentile Female Crash Dummies.”