Huge Ute ‘Concern’ Triggers Australian Safety Tests
Technology aimed at preventing large pickup trucks from losing control and endangering other road users is under review in Australia. The ANCAP safety organization tested big utes from Ford, RAM, Chevrolet, and Toyota after “community concern” grew over the risks these vehicles pose to smaller cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Expert Evaluation of Safety Features
ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg explained that experts focused on safety systems designed to prevent crashes involving large pickups like the Ford F-150, rather than their performance after collisions occur.
“There is community concern over the size of pickups when they are driving in suburban streets, around schools, and in built-up areas,”
“Larger vehicles pose a bigger threat to other road users than passenger cars. The best way to reduce the potential risk of fatalities and serious injuries from large vehicles is to make sure they do the best possible job at avoiding a crash.”
Risks Highlighted by Data
An ANCAP report referenced US data showing pedestrian fatalities involving pickups are four times more likely during turns compared to cars. Additionally, vehicles with bonnet heights over one metre are about 45% more likely to cause fatal injuries to pedestrians.
Safety Technologies Tested
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane keeping assistance
- Driver distraction monitoring features
These systems, commonly found in many new vehicles, were assessed for their effectiveness in enhancing the safety of large utes on Australian roads.
Author's summary: Australian safety experts are rigorously testing large pickup trucks to ensure their advanced safety features reduce the heightened risks these vehicles pose to pedestrians and smaller road users.