The Victorian Government has released the results of a study into the effectiveness of side airbags at the Australian Performance Vehicles (APV) Tech Centre in Melbourne.

 

The Monash University’s Accident Research Centre (MUARC) analysed a range of side airbag systems, concluding they provide improved safety results for road users.

 

“The analysis found a dramatic 51 per cent reduction in injury to all body regions; a 61 per cent reduction in injury to the head, neck, face and chest; and a 53 per cent reduction in injury to the head, neck and face,” State Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said.

 

Ross McArthur Manager of Vehicle Safety and Policy at VicRoads said he was pleased to be able to provide the Victorian community with this important safety information.

 

“The results of this study demonstrate just how much of a difference safety features can make in preventing deaths on our roads,” Mr McArthur said.

 

“Side curtain airbags can fully inflate within 15 milliseconds of impact to protect occupants from the vehicle and intruding objects such as poles, trees and other vehicles,”