60. The expert from Norway introduced GRSP-73-22, showing statistical evidence that a considerable number of accidents involved buses wherein the drivers had been seriously injured or killed in head-on collisions in Norway. The expert from the United Kingdom stated a lack of statistics from his country for this activity. The expert from the Netherlands suggested that GRSP was the correct body to address this issue although merit needed to be verified. He also suggested considering UN Regulation No. 66 (Strength of superstructure (buses)) under the responsibility of GRSP to have a thorough approach to passive safety. The expert from Finland agreed with the concerns in GRSP-73-22 and added that the steering wheel function should be also investigated. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2023 session and requested experts to provide statistical data at that session.

5. The expert from Norway recalled to GRSG that informal document (GRSG-115-04), that had been presented at the October 2018 session of GRSG showed the issue of the lack of front protection for drivers and tourist guides in the event of a frontal collision. He reiterated his concerns by introducing GRSG-125-10. He showed statistical evidence that a considerable number of accidents involved buses wherein the drivers had been seriously injured or killed in head-on collisions in Norway. He announced that a national standard would enter into force in his country to deal this issue. The expert from Finland shared the concerns of the expert from Norway and suggested that the following UN Regulations could be addressed: Nos. 66 (Strength of superstructure), 93 (Underrun protections) and 29 (Cabs of commercial vehicles), in cooperation with GRSP. The expert from Germany recalled to GRSG the proposal of a new UN Regulation (based on UN Regulation No. 29) tabled by his delegation in 2007 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2007/33). He reminded GRSG that the proposal had not been supported by most experts because it was considered of little impact in improving road safety at that time. The expert from the Netherland expressed sympathy to this initiative. However, he stated that more statistical evidence should be provided and that such a topic should be dealt with in GRSP. The expert from United Kingdom shared a report completed in 2010, based on statistical data from his country for the years 2006–2008 on the safety priorities of commercial vehicle (GRSG-125-32). He also shared a study for an Enhanced Vehicle Safety (ESV) conference (GRSG-125-31) that provides further indicators for discussion on this subject. The expert from Norway added that this proposal would be addressed at GRSP at its May 2023 session. GRSG welcome the initiative of the expert from Norway and agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its October 2023 session, based on the follow-up of its experts and those of GRSP.

6. Referring to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2007/33 tabled by Germany on a new draft UN Regulation on frontal protection of buses, the expert from Norway presented GRSG-115-04 reiterating the need to enhance the protection and integrity of the compartment of the driver and any crew member of buses and coaches in case of a frontal collision. The expert from the United Kingdom reported on the rarity of statistical data available in his country on such accidents. He preferred receiving first some more research on causality data. The expert from Finland echoed that position and questioned if this subject was not a matter of passive safety falling under the responsibility of the Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP). The expert from Germany was of the opinion that there are already a number of active safety systems available today.

7. Finally, GRSG agreed on the need to collect some accidentology data on frontal collisions of buses and coaches resulting in risks for the driver and/or crew member. The GRSG Chair invited all governmental experts to investigate on their national/regional statistical data and to provide the results to GRSG for consideration at its April 2019 session. GRSG agreed to keep GRSG-115-04 on the agenda as a reference document.