At the recent Australasian Fleet Management Association conference, a survey of fleet managers showed that around 60 per cent have a fleet policy that mandates any new vehicles purchased must have a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating.
“That’s fantastic,” commented Carla Hoorweg, CEO of ANCAP, noting that more than 50 percent of all new passenger vehicles purchased in Australia are bought by fleets. “And by purchasing safer vehicles, those are flowing through into the car park.”
Fleet vehicles are generally held for three years and sold in the second-hand market, providing a supply of affordable vehicles to Australian consumers. A commonly held belief is that parents buy the first vehicle for their newly licensed children from this supply stream. Hoorweg noted that buying safer vehicles is having an impact on road safety statistics.
When using grey fleets – private vehicles owned and driven by workers for work purposes – companies still have a duty of care to ensure the car is safe, even though it’s owned by the employee.
Are your grey fleet vehicles from 2015 or earlier?
From 31 December 2022, ANCAP is making some changes so that any vehicle model rated in 2015 or earlier will lose its rating. Because fleets tend to turn vehicles over every 3-4 years, this isn’t particularly relevant for organisations’ tool-of-trade fleets, but it will impact those running grey fleets.
If your organisation has a fleet policy that requires owner-drivers to have an ANCAP rated vehicle, then this new protocol from ANCAP will have a ripple effect, so it’s a good idea to start planning ahead for this change.
Other changes to note
Hoorweg took the opportunity at the conference to outline ANCAP protocols and tests for fleet managers and associated industry people, as well as highlight other upcoming changes, which are all aimed at making our roads safer for everyone.
ANCAP crash tests are increasingly focussed on crash avoidance systems, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-assist, and crash protection. These are already integrated into the current star-rating system, where five stars is the highest possible score.
Crash test dummy development
Traditionally, ANCAP crash tested vehicles and assigned their ratings based on a vehicle’s ability to protect vehicle occupants and pedestrians in collisions, including head-on and side impacts. The tests use human-sized dummies and commonly involve as many as five vehicles.
Now, developments are being made in pedestrian safety focus tests, with a new dummy – a leg with a pelvis attached – to be introduced in 2023.
Electric vehicle safety testing
Electric vehicles (EVs) are another area of focus. Hoorweg said ANCAP has tested some 43 battery and hydrogen electric vehicles.
“All of them have reached five stars, indicating how manufacturers aren’t willing to compromise on safety for the environment.” Hoorweg said crash testing of EVs is the same as for internal combustion engine vehicles. EVs are also tested for voltage after a crash, to ensure safety switches are activated following an impact.
Child detection and remote control
New tests will be introduced in 2023 to include child detection systems that will assess the ability of a vehicle to notify the driver or emergency services if a child is left in a vehicle.
“Some of the more advanced systems may also have the ability to automatically open the windows of the vehicle,” said Hoorweg, noting this was a topical feature in the wake of the awful flooding events in eastern Australia earlier this year. She said the safety ratings group was also going to look at whether electronic windows and doors could be operated after a vehicle is submerged.
The world of motoring safety is evolving for the good of all. Hoorweg noted that some 90 percent of new vehicle models entering Australia were safety tested. If you operate grey fleet vehicles, however, it’s a good idea to stay updated on these changes so your business can keep on top of fleet safety.
