Determining the Efficacy of Different Types of Bull Bars Fitted to Different Types of Light Vehicles

Under NSW regulations, bull bars must comply with AS 4876.1. The Standard provides illustrations of “acceptable” and “not acceptable” bull bars. Some bull bars, typically fitted to 4WDs in rural regions, resemble the “not acceptable” bull bars. The different bull bars became a matter of contention following a campaign targeting “non-complying” bull bars in 2014. To inform this matter, the Centre for Road Safety undertook research to compare the performance of different types of bull bars. This found that bull bars provide no additional occupant protection in a crash, but they may have some road safety and cost benefits.