§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefits in terms of the reduction of serious injuries of polyurethane deformable front styling bars for cars; and if he will make a statement. [26580]
§ Mr. NorrisThe digest of the Transport Research Laboratory project report 19 of 1993 indicates that approximately 60 per cent. of pedestrian casualties are struck by the fronts of cars. Softer car fronts could lead to a 7 per cent. reduction in the number of fatally injured pedestrians and could reduce injury severity for 21 per cent. of the seriously injured pedestrians.
Polyurethane deformable bumpers were found to be one method of achieving savings. The Department has not carried out any tests on polyurethane styling bars.