All vehicles sold in Australia should comply with minimum ANCAP safety ratings – prospectively no less than 4-stars – and manufacturers should provide new safety features to Australian consumers at the same pace as in other countries.
This is the opinion of Darren Chester, shadow parliamentary secretary for roads and regional transport, who is calling for renewed energy and enthusiasm to lower the road toll.
Referring to the minimum 5-star ANCAP safety rating fleet purchasing policy adopted by the Australian Government in 2011, Chester points out that if the Government sets a 5 star ANCAP safety rating standard for its own employees, then it should require that all cars, for all people, meet this same standard.
“In the period 2007-2011, there was a 21% reduction in deaths on Australian roads – some of this reduction inevitably will be due to safer cars,” says Nicholas Clarke, ANCAP chief executive officer.
“Road trauma affects all of us and is an enormous burden on our community. Reducing this burden should be a first order priority for governments, business and private consumers. A move to a more holistic approach to road safety would be welcome.” says Clarke.
“If we are to achieve another similar big reduction in road trauma then it is vital that Australia maintains pace with developments in new safety assist technology. These technologies are already demonstrating significant effectiveness in other countries.
“We already have cars on the market today that are not equipped with the same level of safety assist technology as that included in the same car in other markets.” Clarke says.
ANCAP supports the call for faster introduction of these life-saving technologies in Australia.
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