Discussion of the evolution of UN R73 with a proposal to update load requirements for lateral protection devices:

• Application of a force of 3kN perpendicular to the device (as currently defined)
• Max. strain under loading at 90mm over the 250mm most rearwards part
• Max. strain under loading at 450mm on the other parts.

Proposal to amend geometrical criteria and installation provisions for lateral protection barriers in order to improve their performance with regard to vulnerable road users (e.g., lateral contact with a motorcycle or its rider(s)).

Proposal to update the horizontal static force requirement for lateral protection devices to 3 kN and the deflection under load criteria to 90 mm over the rearmost 250 mm of the device and 450 mm over the remainder of the device. The purpose is to reduce the risk of running over a person (e.g., a motorcycle rider) during a lateral collision.

Proposal to amend UN R73 on Lateral Protection Devices, amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2024/38. The proposal adds safety requirements including a new definition of Blind Spot Information System referencing UN R151. Key modifications lower the minimum height of the lower edge of LPD from 550 mm to 450 mm for most vehicles, while maintaining 550 mm for vehicles with axle distance exceeding 6.5 m. The proposal includes transitional provisions and references GRSG-113-13. Japan and France submitted this based on traffic accident data showing reduced fatalities with lower LPD height requirements.

Proposal to amend geometrical criteria (dimensions and distances between lateral protection devices) and installation provisions for lateral protection barriers in order to improve their performance with regard to vulnerable road users. The proposal would

1. increase the maximum distance between lateral rails from 300 mm to 400 mm
2. redefine the limits for the lower edge from “550 mm above the ground” to definition via an isosceles triangle formed by lines drawn at 8° from the ground contact points of the vehicle tires intersecting at point “I” above the road surface where the maximum limit “I” is between 350-450 mm
3. define the upper edge as from 450 mm rather than 300 mm maximum from the vehicle structure or maximum height of the upper edge above the ground from 950 mm to 850 mm
4. update the horizontal static force requirement for lateral protection devices to 3 kN and the deflection under load criteria to 90 mm over the rearmost 250 mm of the device and 450 mm over the remainder of the device.

Proposal to amend geometrical criteria (dimensions and distances between lateral protection devices) and installation provisions for lateral protection barriers in order to improve their performance with regard to vulnerable road users. The proposal would

1. increase the maximum distance between lateral rails from 300 mm to 400 mm
2. redefine the limits for the lower edge from “550 mm above the ground” to definition via an isosceles triangle formed by lines drawn at 8° from the ground contact points of the vehicle tires intersecting at point “I” above the road surface where the maximum limit “I” is between 350-450 mm
3. define the upper edge as from 450 mm rather than 300 mm maximum from the vehicle structure or maximum height of the upper edge above the ground from 950 mm to 850 mm
4. update the horizontal static force requirement for lateral protection devices to 3 kN and the deflection under load criteria to 90 mm over the rearmost 250 mm of the device and 450 mm over the remainder of the device.

Proposal to clarify the positioning of lateral protection devices on central axle trailers

Proposal to amend UN R18, UN R39, UN R46, UN R55, UN R58, UN R67, UN R73, UN R93, UN R97, UN R102, UN R105, UN R107, UN R110, UN R116, UN R121, UN R122, UN R125, UN R144, UN R147, UN R151, UN R158, UN R159, UN R160, UN R161, UN R162, UN R163, UN R166, UN R169, UN R176, UN R181, UN R182 and UN R183:

• Add new paragraphs defining Software Identification Number by reference to Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) Annex 7, para. 2,
• amend paragraphs concerning production discontinuation to clarify that production is not considered definitively discontinued if vehicle manufacturers intend to obtain subsequent extensions of approval for software updates of vehicles already registered in the market,
• add new paragraphs requiring manufacturers to provide Technical Services with information on all hardware and software having an influence on performance,
• add new paragraphs allowing vehicle manufacturers to apply for new vehicle approvals to differentiate software versions for vehicles already registered in the market from those for new vehicles,
• add new paragraphs to approval forms requesting additional information regarding software identification and software updates, including whether Software Identification Number is held on the vehicle and relevant parameters for identification of vehicles that can be updated with the represented software.