Bullbar

They vary considerably in size and form, and are normally composed of welded steel or aluminium tubing, or, more recently, moulded polycarbonate and polyethylene materials.

"Nudge bars", another kind of bullbar, are generally fitted to sedans and small SUVs, and consist of light aluminium alloy or polycarbonate tubing that protects only the radiator area without replacing the bumper.

As a safety feature, traditional bars are built to protect the vehicle, which is considered less safe than allowing controlled deformation to absorb kinetic energy during a collision.

Plastic bullbars made from materials such as polyethylene are designed to act like a spring and deflect due to the force of a collision so that the vehicle is still driveable after striking an animal.

[5][6] Some modern bullbars have crumple zones and/or are mounted on sliders, designed to move back in order to reduce impact forces.

In recent times bullbars have become popular also as a cosmetic accessory, particularly on the larger four wheel drive and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

Studies and media attention to them[10] and their role in increasing pedestrian deaths led to an agreement with the European Union among carmakers not to install them on new vehicles from January 1, 2002.

[citation needed] This high animal strike incidence is why roo bars are most commonly fitted to vehicles in Australia in outback or rural areas.

[citation needed] Over recent years there has been debate in Australia regarding the safety implications of fitting a bullbar, especially as four-wheel drives and their accessories are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas.

Similar requirements for older vehicles fitted with bullbars manufactured before that Australian Standard was implemented exist only in state legislation.

In 2003, New South Wales State Member of Parliament Anthony Roberts suggested there is little or no enforcement of the ADR requirement and Harold Scruby (of the Pedestrian Council of Australia) has proposed that modern standards should be made retrospective.

[citation needed] The major bull bar manufacturers in Australia are ARB, TJM, ECB, Ironman, Smartbar, Irvin Bullbars, AFN and Uneek.