LTSA calls for cheaper airbags

The Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) is calling on car manufacturers to make airbags a cheaper option on new vehicles following test results showing how much they improve chances of surviving a crash.

The new results, from the Australian New Car Assessment Programme, found that of six four-wheel-drive vehicles crashed sideways into a power pole at 29km/h, the only one that provided enough head protection for an occupant to survive was the one with a full package of front, side and head-protecting airbags.

In New Zealand, LTSA principal vehicle safety engineer Andrew Justice said the tests showed the importance of ordering airbags when buying a new vehicle.

"In many cases these packages are combined with luxury or convenience items which then increase the cost of the vehicles and make them unaffordable for many motorists.

"We encourage manufacturers to make a full airbag package available as standard equipment or as a less expensive safety option."

The tests were done to better simulate side-on collisions for four-wheel-drives, which have usually done well in side-impact tests because of their high ground clearance.

Mr Justice said the results were applicable to other types of cars.

"The message to motorists is simple - if you want to maximise your safety you must choose a vehicle with a head-protecting airbag."

- NZPA