Abstract
This paper reports the benefits of Australia adopting either the current FMVSS 214 or the proposed ECE Regulation 95 side impact regulation. A Harm analysis was undertaken following a one-day meeting in Munich, Germany, involving a panel of international specialists to determine the likely injury reductions of both standards. Using the Harm reduction method, the total benefit for FMVSS 214 was subsequently estimated to be A$136 million annually or A$147 per car using a 7% discount rate and a 25 year fleet life. The equivalent figures for ECE Reg 95 were A$147 million with a unit Harm benefit of A$159 per car. Given an implementation cost of A$100 per car, it is evident that either standard is likely to be cost-effective for Australia. (A)