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Safety assessment program

Explore the Australian safety assessment program (AuSAP), which assesses restraint systems used by children with disabilities and medical conditions.

The Australian Safety Assessment Program (AuSAP) is an independent world first program driving global advancements in knowledge and safety of vehicle restraint systems used by children with disabilities and medical conditions.

AUSAP text on green background

Established in 2020, by MACA, with funding support from the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, AuSAP is supported by an Expert Technical Committee, with in-kind contributions from Britax Childcare and Neuroscience Research Australia.

The program assesses vehicle restraint systems (including sled-crash testing) and aims to improve global knowledge and influence the design and safety of restraint systems for children with disabilities and medical conditions.

NeuRA crash test sled

The Transurban Road Safety Centre at NeuRA is Australia’s only research-dedicated crash test lab.

AuSAP’s test and assessment protocol uses some criteria from the Australian standard for child restraints, and is setting a new benchmark for vehicle restraint systems used by children with disabilities and medical conditions.

AuSAP findings are shared with suppliers and overseas manufacturers with the aim of stimulating improved design and safety.

AuSAP participants

Program participants include specialist Australian suppliers, supported by global manufacturers, of vehicle restraint systems for children with disabilities and medical conditions.

AuSAP participants are strongly committed to working together to advance the safety, performance and product design requirements to best meet the unique needs of our most vulnerable road users.

AuSAP assessment in progress

Image by David Paine, Vehicle Design and Research 2021

AuSAP product guides

The program informs the development of independent product guides for each product to support allied health professionals, industry and government in their respective roles prescribing, supplying and funding these restraint systems.

Your task

task list and pen

Watch the channel nine news story about AuSAP and share your thoughts in the comments about how you think this program supports and benefits children and families.

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Transporting Children with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

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