Citation

Fildes BN, Digges KH, Dyte D. J. Traffic Med. 1997; 25(1-2): 3-6.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: The proposed EEVC frontal offset requirements is to be introduced in Europe during 1988. This paper set out to examine (i) if this standard is warranted in Australia, given the existence of a full frontal requirement ADR 69, and (ii) its cost-effectiveness. Method: The study for the Federal Office of Road Safety was in three parts; first, an analysis of drivers hospitalized from frontal crashes to show the incidence and severity of lower limb injuries, second, a workshop of international specialists to determine the likely injury reductions of the proposed standard, and finally, a Harm analysis to determine its cost benefits for Australia. Results: The injury analysis revealed a high incidence of lower limb injuries in offset crashes and the need for additional countermeasures. The workshop findings outlined the areas where injuries would be reduced. Estimates of the annual Harm saved by the introduction of the standard in Australia ranged from A$297 to A$460 million each year, depending on airbag sales in 1998. This equates to a unit Harm lifetime benefit per car of between A$296 and A$576. Conclusion: On this basis, it would seem highly desirable for Australia to mandate for the standard as outlined by Lowne (1994). Any attempt to remove the lower limb injury criteria from this proposal would severely compromise these benefits and make it difficult to support.