Police drivers are at...
Police drivers are at risk because the equipment they wear round their waist can get in the way of their car seatbelt. It can push the lap-strap portion of the harness up, boosting the chances of them coming free of the belt - so-called "submarining" - in the event of a collision. Scientists in Sweden made the discovery after an officer died in an accident. Workmen who wear tool belts are also at risk.
It was five stars for...
It was five stars for Vauxhall"s new Zafira. The compact MPV was praised by judges for its frontal rigidity and protection for child occupants. However, the driver"s legs struck the steering column, boosting injury risk. Its two-star pedestrian safety rating was described as "reasonable".
VW"s Passat also got five out of five. The saloon suffered minimal deformation, with the airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters all protecting occupants. The issue of leg injuries from the steering column was raised by judges, but they praised the car"s side impact protection system.