BENGALURU: The installation of bull bars and crash guards on cars and bikes might be useful in a city with low traffic speeds like Bengaluru where the chances of a side scrapes are high, but in the long run and in accidents in which the vehicle is travelling at high speeds, these guards endanger the lives of all involved, including the occupants of the vehicle, experts say.
Usually attached at two points on the underside of the car, the bars extend from the vehicle frontwards, curve upwards from under the engine to cover the front side of the vehicle. However, in case of an impact, the full force of the crash is transferred to the chassis of the vehicle, endangering the occupants of the vehicle.
Moreover, modern cars have crumple zones designed to protect passengers and others in the event of a crash, but these are negated by the presence of these bars.Originally invented in Australia for use on their rural roads to protect the vehicle against stray livestock which might wander on to the vehicle’s path, their use has been debated endlessly in several countries with some choosing to voluntarily give up their use. However, drivers in most countries seem to agree that the use of these bars in urban areas poses a hazard even to pedestrians.
“These bars change the structure of the vehicle and its safety features. But they are easily available in areas like Kalasipalya, where you can get them installed for a few thousand rupees. Besides damaging the opposite vehicle, they can result in serious injuries in accidents where pedestrians are involved,” said M N Sreehari, a road safety expert.
Shop owners also said the demand for these bull bars/crash guards, whether for small cars or bikes, is high. “This is one of the first things that owners fit to their newly-bought vehicles. They are available in many designs with some covering just the bumper or others that cover the entire front part of the car including the headlights. Prices start from around `2,000 to a few thousands depending on the size,” said Riyaz Khan, a shop-owner on JC Road.