This paper discusses the current status of safety technologies. The items discussed include: (a) air bag supplemental restraint systems; (b) dynamic side impact protection; (c) lighting; (d) light-signalling devices; and (e) the potential for unification of design approached and/or research efforts. The extent to which light truck safety issues require different approaches to those for the passenger car are also evaluated. The development of harmonization strategies is required in order to efficiently resolve these safety issues. Specific harmonization issues and opportunities are identified, and are presented. These include: (1) apparent success on vehicle braking harmonization; (2) work required to achieve greater lighting commonization; (3) strategy needed for convergence between Europe and North America on side impact; (4) common worldwide approaches to pedestrian protection; and (5) opportunities for unification of offset barrier crash performance standards.
Samenvatting