'Concern' raised over car seat whiplash tests

Motor industry trade association, the SMMT today reacted with “concern” over results published by car safety testing centre at Thatcham involving a new crash testing protocol on car seats.

According to the report published today by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham, following newly introduced dynamic tests on car seats, two thirds of 2004/2005 cars currently on the market were “left wanting” in the event of a low-speed rear-end shunt – the most common form of accident.

However, the SMMT said manufacturers believed that some aspects of the tests were “too crude” and expressed concern that seats to which Thatcham has assigned a “poor” or “marginal” rating on static tests, were then automatically given a “poor” rating for overall performance, without receiving a dynamic test.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said: “The idea that we fit seats to new cars that are unsafe is nonsense. The reality is that millions of pounds have been invested in improving safety. Features like pre-tensioned seat belts, belt force limiters, active head restraints and anti-submarining seats are testament to the importance the industry places on protecting occupants.

“Thatcham's own research suggests that nearly three quarters of whiplash injuries could be prevented if drivers adjusted their head restraints properly. We understand the insurance industry's desire to drive down the £1.6 billion costs in whiplash compensation but we need a little more balance in the debate.”

The SMMT claimed that the results could be “misleading” and called for more research on the issue.

According to the Thatcham report which examined 113 different car seats, testers rated:

• 18 as “good” (16%)
• 27 as “acceptable” (24%)
• 27 as “marginal” (24%)
• 41 as “poor” (36%)

Thatcham failed 25 seat model in an initial static test for not having “acceptable or good geometry”.

Matthew Avery, Head of the Thatcham test programme, described the results as “very disturbing”.

He said: "Some models were thought to offer proper protection – but when we put them to the test on our dynamic sled – the seats did not perform as expected."

He called on manufacturers to “make significant changes” if they wished to really protect people in a car crash.

Major models given a “Poor” rating including: BMW 3 series; Jaguar X-Type; Honda CRV; Toyota Corolla; Renault Clio; Citroen C2/C3; Mercedes C-Class; Honda Jazz; Landrover Freelander; and VW Polo.

(SP/GMCG)