Two new cars have met ANCAP's upgraded five star safety standards that include greater protection for bike riders and pedestrians.
The Mazda CX-8 and Volvo XC40 have both been given a five star ANCAP safety rating which includes particular criteria for ability to avoid crashes with vulnerable road users.
To achieve a five star ANCAP safety rating vehicles must perform suitably in more than 100 different test scenarios including day and night time conditions.
Technology that helps vehicles avoid crashes with bike riders and pedestrians includes emergency lane keeping technology and autonomous emergency braking systems.
ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin, said that it is now harder than ever for cars to receive the ultimate five star safety rating.
“The hurdles have been raised significantly for vehicles tested from 2018,” said Mr Goodwin.
“We now test and rate against four key pillars of assessment, and across these we have implemented a range of enhancements to encourage vehicle manufacturers to improve the active and passive safety elements of their models.”
“Most notably, we’re looking at the performance and effectiveness of active safety assist technologies, and the ability of a vehicle to protect a broader range of occupants, including children and females.”
While the Mazda was noted by ANCAP for its ability to protect child passengers, the Volvo excited with its technology that protects those outside the vehicle.
“The XC40 performed well across all areas of assessment, offering emergency lane keeping functionality and the full range of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems,” said Mr Goodwin.
Bicycle Network has been a strong supporter of in car technology that protects vulnerable road users by taking control away from drivers in dangerous situations. Lane keep and AEB technologies are good examples of this.
The latter seems to be particularly improving, with other ANCAP information showing that the number of new cars with AEB has increased ten-fold in less than three years.
In December 2015 just 3 per cent of new cars offered AEB, but now 31 per cent of cars have the technology.
Watch videos from ANCAP's testing that includes scenarios with bike riders and pedestrians.