'There's a lot that we could be doing': Expert exposes startling reality about Australian vehicles
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Australians pride themselves on their love for the great outdoors and the open road.
Australia's vast landscapes beckon for long drives and road trips, making vehicle safety a close issue in many citizens' hearts.
However, recent reports suggested that our safety on the roads may be compromised.
Dr Ingrid Johnston, the CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS), voiced her concerns regarding vehicle safety in the country.
While Australia 'used to be a leader' in this aspect, recent times spell a different tale.
'Vehicle safety standards, known as the Australian Design Rules, are falling well behind the highest in the world, which is Europe,' Dr Johnston stated.
'What that means is that we have vehicles that are legally allowed for sale in this country and get a zero safety star rating.'
Dr Johnston's statement showed a stark contrast between Aussie vehicles in the market and the stringent vehicle regulations implemented in the continent mentioned above.
Advancements in vehicle safety have been saving Europeans for years. Yet, Australia has been lagging when it comes to vehicle safety standards worldwide.
One of the most glaring examples of this disparity in vehicle quality was the eCall system, widely adopted in Europe.
This system ensured that emergency services would immediately be alerted if a vehicle got involved in a crash.
The eCall alert should also include precise location details for immediate response.
This system could be the difference between life and death in a vehicular accident, yet Australia has not implemented a similar system.
Vehicles in Europe also had technologies that could detect the driver's demeanour by monitoring eye movement and steering wheel contact.
These systems alert drivers when they are distracted or showing signs of fatigue while driving.
While such features are becoming standard in other parts of the world, they are not mandated in Australia.
In return, manufacturers often omit these features for cost-cutting.
The Australian government implemented changes in vehicle standards by introducing the ADR 98/100 rule last February.
However, the reluctance to adopt more life-saving technologies transcended beyond corporate indifference; it should also be a reflection of a broader issue in regulation.
'There's a lot that we could be doing, absolutely, a lot,' Dr Johnston called out.
'But there just hasn't been the leadership shown from state and federal governments around the country to make it happen, and there needs to be.'
Without any changes in leadership, Australia could fall further behind when it comes to safety and could lose more lives on the road.
Strengthening vehicle safety standards, enforcing more thoughtful road policies, and ensuring the implementation of cutting-edge technology should be non-negotiable.
It's a matter of public safety and should be treated as a national priority.
Have you noticed a lack of safety features in Australian cars compared to overseas models? Could more be done to protect Australians on the roads? Share your thoughts and opinions about these safety concerns in the comments section below.
Australia's vast landscapes beckon for long drives and road trips, making vehicle safety a close issue in many citizens' hearts.
However, recent reports suggested that our safety on the roads may be compromised.
Dr Ingrid Johnston, the CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS), voiced her concerns regarding vehicle safety in the country.
While Australia 'used to be a leader' in this aspect, recent times spell a different tale.
'Vehicle safety standards, known as the Australian Design Rules, are falling well behind the highest in the world, which is Europe,' Dr Johnston stated.
'What that means is that we have vehicles that are legally allowed for sale in this country and get a zero safety star rating.'
Vehicles in Australia were revealed to be subpar compared to their international counterparts. Image Credit: Pexels/Mudassir Ali
Dr Johnston's statement showed a stark contrast between Aussie vehicles in the market and the stringent vehicle regulations implemented in the continent mentioned above.
Advancements in vehicle safety have been saving Europeans for years. Yet, Australia has been lagging when it comes to vehicle safety standards worldwide.
One of the most glaring examples of this disparity in vehicle quality was the eCall system, widely adopted in Europe.
This system ensured that emergency services would immediately be alerted if a vehicle got involved in a crash.
The eCall alert should also include precise location details for immediate response.
This system could be the difference between life and death in a vehicular accident, yet Australia has not implemented a similar system.
Vehicles in Europe also had technologies that could detect the driver's demeanour by monitoring eye movement and steering wheel contact.
These systems alert drivers when they are distracted or showing signs of fatigue while driving.
While such features are becoming standard in other parts of the world, they are not mandated in Australia.
In return, manufacturers often omit these features for cost-cutting.
The Australian government implemented changes in vehicle standards by introducing the ADR 98/100 rule last February.
However, the reluctance to adopt more life-saving technologies transcended beyond corporate indifference; it should also be a reflection of a broader issue in regulation.
'There's a lot that we could be doing, absolutely, a lot,' Dr Johnston called out.
'But there just hasn't been the leadership shown from state and federal governments around the country to make it happen, and there needs to be.'
Without any changes in leadership, Australia could fall further behind when it comes to safety and could lose more lives on the road.
Strengthening vehicle safety standards, enforcing more thoughtful road policies, and ensuring the implementation of cutting-edge technology should be non-negotiable.
It's a matter of public safety and should be treated as a national priority.
