Car makers: protect pedestrians better! - Better by design

The first requirement, Euro NCAP's Adrian Hobbs says, is for a bumper that will sweep the pedestrian off the ground rather than under the car. Then the impact loads need to be spread along the pedestrian's leg away from the knees. The car's bumper should compress and the leading edge of the bonnet should deflect slightly and have no solid objects close behind it. 'This requires space, and manufacturers fear for the potential styling of their cars,' claims Hobbs.

At this point, the unfortunate victim is about to come down, probably head first, on the bonnet. 'In itself, this is no problem,' says Hobbs. 'The bonnet just needs to deflect by three or four inches and not be stiff in any one part, or have any rigid components, such as the engine, immediately beneath it.'

A greater danger is posed by the rear of the bonnet where it meets the windscreen, because this is one area of a car that has to be stiff. Car makers can help by tucking the windscreen wipers out of the way, Hobbs says.

The EU is due to introduce tougher pedestrian safety legislation in 2010, but Hobbs fears it will be a watered-down version of the guidelines NCAP already works to. 'When the final proposal is agreed we'll adjust our procedures, but we won't make them any less severe,' he says.

'We have to get rid of the myth that pedestrian protection is of no value to the person who buys a car. If you hit a pedestrian, you will suffer, even if it's not your fault. Jobs are lost and marriages break down because people cannot get over having killed someone.'