Underride and Override

This scenario is the most common and is often seen at the side of the road. One vehicle has run into the back of another but due to heavy braking, the bumpers slipped off one another. The front of the impacting car's bonnet is folded, its lights are smashed and it is often undriveable. However, the bumper appears to be largely untouched.

The problem is that even where bumpers initially appear to engage during a crash, they often slip off one another. This is due to poor alignment of the beam structure or a very curved cover that promotes instability. This leads to a problem called 'underride'.

Bumpers Don't Protect Expensive Headlights

Headlights are costly items to replace in these low speed collisions. 7 of the 9 vehicles tested during 2009 needed their headlights replacing after the test because the bumper systems were not able to provide protection. The Vauxhall Insignia headlights were the most expensive to replace, and cost £504 each. The bumpers should be protecting these expensive parts properly.