Pedestrian protection continued to be a major weakness of carmakers.
21 out of 34 cars included in a crash test were rated rather poorly in this respect with only 2 stars out of a maximum of 4 stars. 5 cars received only 1 star.
Inadequate pedestrian protection exposes the pedestrians, in the event of an accident, to high risk of severe or even fatal injury.
The results were released by the Consumer Council in a report based on the latest test conducted by Euro NCAP (The European New Car Assessment Programme).
In addition, all but 2 of the cars were provided with some form of intelligent seatbelt reminder such as a visual or loud and clear audible warning of seatbelt non-use.
The 34 models in the test comprised 5 large and 7 small family cars, 3 small MPVs, 8 small off-roaders, 1 executive, 7 superminis, and 3 pick-up trucks.
For the first time since Euro NCAP's inception over 10 years ago, a small family car was awarded the best ever adult occupant protection score, receiving maximum points in its stringent crash tests.
Overall, the great majority of cars showed good performance in adult occupant protection. 15 models were awarded the top 5-star rating, and 17 others followed closely with a 4-star score.
But 1 pick-up truck was rated poorly with only 2 stars, indicating unacceptably high risk of fatal injury to the car driver and occupant(s) in the event of a crash.
Pick-up trucks are a new category in Euro NCAP. Traditionally these vehicles are bought and used for commercial purposes but there has lately been a trend where car manufacturers are upping the level of options and trims available on pick-ups in order to target consumers who may use them as family transport.
Included in the category of small family car was a hybrid car (the second such car tested by Euro NCAP) as consumers are increasingly seeking out cars with lower carbon dioxide emissions and higher safety scores.
Lastly, all motorists and passengers are strongly reminded to always wear a seatbelt without which almost all of the protective measures currently being built into cars would have very little effect.
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