Ncap to address whiplash injuries
The car safety testing program Euro NCAP has included a
whiplash assessment in its new car tests for the first time this year.
As well as the standard front impact test, the cars will now be subject to a rear impact test, which is the most common cause of whiplash injuries amongst commuters. The new assessments will begin in November and the first tests will be published in the NCAP’s Adult Occupant Rating in February 2009.
The Berkshire based research centre Thatcham has been chosen as the tester for the whiplash test. Andrew Miller, Thatcham’s Research Director commented that:
“At Thatcham our whiplash work is one of our key activities as we strive to reduce the very heavy burden on society and insurers caused by this common accidental injury”.
The new test is part of NCAP's new 'overall car safety' guidelines, which will make testing far more stringent and stop manufacturers doing the bare minimum to achieve ratings.
The news was welcomed by Which? motoring editor Richard Headland who added:
“Clearly, overall safety should include child safety, pedestrian safety and accident avoidance, so these changes should reflect that and, we hope, encourage car makers to improve safety design for pedestrians and to fit electronic stability control as standard.”
Updated on 05/09/2008