EU concessions needed for FUPS II While the EC works
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on the Euro-4 requirements, 40140 is highlighting another area where legislators could help the road transport industry with some simple rules—the fitting of front under-run protection systems (FUPS).
The potential benefits of FUPS are clear-cut, with 4,000 deaths a year in Europe caused by cars colliding with the front of trucks.
The 'first-generation' FUPS fitted as standard to the latest EH and FM models gives 200mm deflection; enough to make a head-on car/truck collision survivable at a combined velocity of 65km/h, with a potential saving of 900 fatalities and 19,000 injuries a year if fitted to all trucks today.
Increasing the deflection to 600mm would increase survivability to 90km/h, but the extra length and front axle weight would significantly reduce productivity unless other rules were changed. This autumn will mark the start of industry-wide talks with Eurocrats in a bid to agree on concessions for improved safety equipment.
Among the other safety factors being discussed by Volvo is ESP (Electronic Stability Program), which is now firmly established as a production option (CM21-27 June 2001).
Front underrun legislation will come into force on 10 August 2003. It will apply to all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes except for off-road vehicles.