Bullbar
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A bullbar (also roo bar or nudge bar in Australia) is a device fitted to the front of a vehicle to protect it and its passengers from damage in a collision with an animal. They vary considerably in size and form, and are usually made out of welded steel or aluminium tubing, and, more recently, moulded polycarbonate and polyethylene materials. While many pedestrian groups claim that bullbars are dangerous to pedestrians, some modern designs are actually safer than the same vehicle without a bullbar.
The "bull" in the name refers to cattle, which in rural areas sometimes roam onto roads and highways, although other animals such as sheep and horses are also hazardous. Kangaroos are a primary hazard in many areas, hence the alternative name roo bar.
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[edit] Design and terminology
In Australia, the term "roo bar" generally refers to a light-weight bullbar, suited to sedan vehicles; however, both "bullbar" and "roo bar" are somewhat interchangeable. In northern areas, where cattle are more prominent and where larger four-wheel drive vehicles are used, drivers use larger bullbars made out of steel.
"Nudge bars", another kind of bullbar, are generally fitted to sedans and small SUVs, and consist of light aluminium or polycarbonate tubing that protects only the radiator grille and areas without replacing the bumper bar. Roo bars and bullbars typically replace the front bumper or fender, so most require indicator light housings.
Bullbars are sometimes used as a platform for mounting spotlights and vehicle recovery winches. radio antennas for equipment such as CB radios are often mounted onto bullbars, even though mounting above the roof provides better performance.
As a safety feature, traditional bars are built to protect the vehicle, which is considered less safe than allowing controlled deformation to absorb kinetic energy during a collision. Modern design of bullbars and roo bars has advanced so that some vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket companies now offer impact bars which integrate with the vehicle safety system, such as activation of airbags after collision with the bullbar. Plastic bullbars made from materials such as polyethylene are designed to act like a spring and deflect due to the force of a collision so that the vehicle is still driveable after striking an animal. These designs are more "pedestrian friendly" than the same vehicle without any bullbar.[1][2]
Some designs can also cause more severe injuries to pedestrians hit by cars fitted with them, particularly children. Because of this, some countries have made bullbars illegal for vehicles weighing less than several tons.[citation needed] In recent times they have become popular also as a cosmetic accessory, particularly on the larger four wheel drives and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV's).
[edit] Australia
Kangaroos account for over 60% of animal collisions in Australia; the next most common victim being dogs at 12%. This high animal strike incidence is why roo bars are mostly commonly fitted to vehicles in Australia in outback or rural areas.
Over recent years there has been debate in Australia regarding the safety implications of fitting a bullbar, especially as four-wheel drives and their accessories are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. The use of bullbars in urban areas is criticised by cycling and pedestrian organisations.[3]
In some states it may be illegal to drive a vehicle fitted with a bullbar that does not comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The main ADR requirement that applies to bullbars is a clause within ADR 42/xx (where xx designates a version number), which states (in part) that:
"No vehicle shall be equipped with any object or fitting, not technically essential to such vehicle, which protrudes from any part of the vehicle so that it is likely to increase the risk of bodily injury to any person."
This requirement is a not specifically aimed at bullbars but does effectively prescribe requirements for their construction. ADR 42/00, the first version of this rule, applied to vehicles built from July 1988. Australian Standard AS4876.1-2002 Motor vehicle frontal protection systems Part 1: Road user protection was released in 2002, and applies construction rules to all bullbars manufactured since that date,[4] regardless of the age of the vehicle that they are fitted to. Similar requirements for older vehicles fitted with bullbars manufactured before that Australian Standard was implemented exist only in state legislation.
It has been suggested in NSW parliament by Anthony Roberts that there is little or no enforcement of the ADR requirement and Harold Scruby has proposed that the modern standards should be made retrospective.[5]
Bullbars are not allowed to cause a vehicle to fail to comply with other ADRs to which they were originally constructed. This includes visibility of lights such as headlights and indicators, but particularly relates to ADR 69/00, the rule for Full frontal impact protection. Because SRS airbags are frequently installed on vehicles in order to comply with this rule, it is mandatory that bullbars manufactured for SRS airbag equipped vehicles be tested for compatibility with the airbag system.
[edit] References
- ^ http://autoweb.drive.com.au/cms/A_50793/newsarticle.html Autoweb article about design awards
- ^ http://www.teampoly.com.au/Pages/Products/smartbar/smartbar_r_and_d.html Smart Bar research page
- ^ http://www.sustainability.dpc.wa.gov.au/docs/submissions/Cyclists_Action_Group.pdf
- ^ http://www.standards.org.au/cat.asp?catid=43&ContentId=273&News=1
- ^ http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/5f584b237987507aca256d09008051f3/00f35874756d401bca256d2c00184b06!OpenDocument
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Vehicle registration standards, The Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales
- Air Bag Testing and Compatability - East Coast Bullbars
