Design and Damageability: Persuasion or Regulation? 740064

Designers have the capability to produce damage resistant bumpers-bumpers that can protect automobiles against low speed collision damage. If design changes are not made in the areas of truck underride, panic brake dip and dive, and the multi-purpose vehicle bumper interface, the automotive industry faces further increased federal regulation. Crash tests and real-world experience indicates that improved bumpers are cost-effective and can bring about better loss control. There is a gap that must be eliminated between current car designs and their future repair costs. The alternative could be even more stringent federal regulations. Professional societies and designers can provide the answer through self-policed future designs that recognize both the initial sales appeal of cars and the latent consumer cost of repair when operating automobiles.