Crash-test results prompt ACC warning over vans' poor safety

Testing showed the Nissan Urvan offered little protection to drivers in the event of a head-on collision. Photo / Supplied

ACC wants drivers to rethink buying vans after the Nissan Urvan showed substandard results in crash testing.

The light-commercial van, commonly used by tradesmen, gained a one-star rating during a simulated 64km/h test which showed the passenger compartment "deformed excessively" and protection from serious head and foot injuries was poor. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program rates vehicles between zero and five.

The Automobile Association and the New Zealand Transport Agency have criticised the result and said equal emphasis should be given to commercial vehicle safety standards as passenger vehicles.

Nissan New Zealand's Peter Merrie said the vehicle had been on sale here for 18 months with 350 sold as new although the number of vans was likely to be higher because of second-hand imports.

He would not make further comment on the results until the Japanese head office looked at them. Nissan's Tokyo office does not deal with New Zealand media inquiries.

ACC's Phil Wright said though the results related to a specific model, they were a timely reminder that many vans had features which made them less safe than an average car. Families, schools and kohanga reo needed to be aware only 7 per cent of vans have anti-lock braking systems and stability control.

"A driver in a van doesn't have the protection of the engine in front of them, which means that if a van is hit front-on there's virtually no crumple zone so the legs of the driver take the full impact," Mr Wright said.

"When you take into account the lack of crumple zone, the higher chance of the vehicle rolling due to the higher centre of mass and the lack of safety features it paints a pretty poor picture for vans."

* Nissan Urvan E25 crash test at 64km/h

Passenger compartment "deformed excessively"

Protection from serious head and foot injury was poor for the driver

Neck, chest and leg protection weak

Diesel fuel tank speared by the front suspension torsion bar

Airbag contact unstable

Brake pedal moved to a position where it was potentially hazardous to dummy's groin

Steering column and dash components were potential hazard to knees

Source: Australasian New Car Assessment Program