See
<http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_821929.html?menu=news.latestheadlines>
"New car safety standards to protect pedestrians and cyclists
New car safety standards to protect pedestrians and cyclists have been agreed by Europe's
governments.
Car makers will have to make the fronts of cars safer to reduce the level of injuries to
pedestrians.
The rules will apply to all new models of vehicles under 2.5 tonnes - virtually all cars and
most vans.
Two new crash tests concerning protection against head and leg injuries will be introduced in 2005,
with two even tougher tests added in 2010.
Passing the tests will involve changes to car bumper and bonnet designs - but Science and Innovation
minister Lord Sainsbury said the result will be an average 80 fewer pedestrian and cyclist deaths
and 1,600 fewer serious injuries.
Car manufacturers have accepted the need for more safety measures after years of pressure to
concentrate on cutting the car crash dangers to people outside vehicles as well as the occupants.
The extra consumer cost of a new car will be only about £15, say government 'number crunchers'.
They have also worked out that motorists' fuel bills will rise by about £2.50 a year because of the
reduced aerodynamic efficiency of more pedestrian-friendly car fronts.
About 8,000 pedestrians and cyclists die every year on EU roads and about 300,000 are
seriously injured.
Most are hit by the fronts of cars in urban and residential areas and the majority are children and
the elderly.
The new crash tests are based on recommendations from the European Enhanced Vehicle Safety Committee
after an EU-funded research programme lasting more than 20 years.
Story filed: 18:25 Monday 22nd September 2003"
Cheers, helen s
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This is sent from a redundant email Mail sent to it is dumped My correct one can be gleaned from
h*$el***$$n*$d$ot$**s**i$$m*$m$**on**$s$@*$$a**$*ol*$*.*$$c$om*$ by getting rid of the
overdependence on money and fame
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