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 expand the scope of the regulation by deleting paragraph 1.2.2. which allows for the exclusion of “vehicles designed and constructed for special purposes where it is not possible, for practical reasons, to fit lateral protection devices” from the text. The proposal allows Type Approval Authorities to nonetheless exempt “vehicles where any LPD (e.g. fixed, removable, foldable, adjustable, etc.) is incompatible with their on-road use” through the addition of new paragraphs.