In the case of automobile accessories, no Bull Bar issue has been as hotly contested as that of Bull Bars. Originally intended as a safety feature to protect cars from collision with wildlife on motorways, their application and purpose have been altered — and, in most instances, questioned — in the modern driving environment.
What Are Bull Bars?
Bull Bars are protective bars, typically metal or hard plastic composite, which are mounted on the front of automobiles. They are primarily employed to protect vital components such as the radiator, lights, and bumper from collision with other objects when driving over animals such as deer or cattle. They initially became necessary for cars operating in rural, wildlife-density areas where such incidents were a common occurrence.
The Transition from Rural to Urban Use
Eventually, Bull Bars can be seen fitted on city trucks such as pickups and SUVs, which drive almost constantly throughout the city. While some love the tough look they provide, others feel Bull Bars provide security. Whatever could be the purpose, the transformation from tough trails to smooth streets poses vital questions: Do Bull Bars belong anymore? Do they actually do much good on city streets, or do they cause more issues than they solve?
Safety concerns which are blamed upon them
One of the most cogent criticisms leveled against Bull Bars is that they pose a threat to pedestrians. A normal car bumper will be shock-absorbing and reduce the impact, but a hard Bull Bar does not deform. When it hits a pedestrian, the risk of serious injury or death becomes and remains vastly heightened.
Also, more modern cars feature advanced safety gear such as airbags and crumple zones that depend upon controlled deformation during an accident. A rigid Bull Bar will interfere with these kinds of systems, which could delay or prevent airbag inflation or modify the force transfer when there is an accident. This is risky to the people inside the vehicle.
Legal Regulations
Because of these issues, most countries have very strict legislation on the installation and manufacture of Bull Bars. In some parts of the world, one is only legally allowed to fit so-called "pedestrian-friendly" Bull Bars, i.e., Bull Bars that will be crushed in the event of a crash, or which will be designed to absorb shock in a crash in the case of an impact. Others ban some of them outright. People who own cars should find out what the laws allow where, prior to fitting a bull bar to their car.
Advantages of Bull Bars
Bull Bars are not so bad, particularly in certain circumstances:
Animal Crash Protection: Out in the country, where there are lots of deer or wildlife, Bull Bars will greatly reduce the damage to cars in the case of an animal crash.
Off-Roading: For off-road excursions, Bull Bars give protection from rocks, sticks, and uneven roads.
Minor Collision Protection: A solid Bull Bar could keep the vehicle front end from suffering expensive damage in a minor collision.
Disadvantages to be Considered
But there are disadvantages too that must be considered:
More Pedestrian Risk: Pedestrians might get substantially worse injuries in solid collisions than when they crash into regular bumpers.
Impact on Crash Sensors: Interference in crash sensors may influence airbag inflation timing.
Increased Weight: Bull Bars add a lot of weight to the front of the vehicle, lowering gas mileage as well as handling.
Insurance Implications: Bull Bars installed by after-market body shops will undoubtedly lead to premium increases with most auto insurance companies.
Final Thoughts
Finally, whether to fit Bull Bars or not will be your own driving needs. Drivers who drive long distances on rural, poorly surfaced roads or who drive off-road a lot may well find Bull Bars an easy and practical addition. But for ordinary city drivers, the possible risks — legal as much as safety — may not be balanced by the benefits.
It is always advisable to refer to vehicle specialists and local laws before any modification is made. Although Bull Bars undoubtedly provide protection in certain circumstances, it is necessary that Bull Bars are installed responsibly and legally to help prevent injury to not just automobile users but to all road users.
