Modified Vehicles
The term "Modified Vehicle" refers to any form of road transport that has been altered in design or function beyond that considered in the original design and build specification of the vehicle. This includes alterations to the vehicle structure, the fitment of systems for internal and external load carrying, the restraint of cargo and other items within a vehicle and retro fitment of equipment such as electronic systems or driver aids. |
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What are the risks?
Modifications to the structure or occupant compartment of road vehicles, inadequately restrained cargo or the introduction of electronic equipment or machinery into the vehicle can contribute to the risk of an accident and the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants and other road users in the event of an accident. For example:
- Extending the length of the vehicle to increase its seating capacity e.g. stretch limousine
- Adding blast protection which could increase a vehicle's mass considerably
- Adverse loading of cargo in a vehicle could have a detrimental impact on the handling and braking of the vehicle
- Introducing technology and equipment within or external to the vehicle compartment such as mobile phone holders or lighting arrays that could either become detached in an impact or be struck by a vehicle occupant or other road user
- Introducing brackets or shelving to help in the internal or external loading of a vehicle that may have inadequate strength to remain intact in an accident
The principal concerns with vehicle modifications are that they could have a detrimental influence on:
- The handling and braking of the vehicle
- The vehicle crashworthiness
- The performance of the occupant restraint systems
Moreover, inadequately restrained loads could become a projectile hazard to vehicle occupants or other vulnerable road users in the event of an impact.
What we can offer?
TRL has extensive experience and facilities for assessing and evaluating the risks associated with modified vehicles and inadequately restrained loads and has contributed through a number of private and government funded projects to assessing and improving the safety of non-modified and modified vehicles. TRL can work with you to provide cost effective solutions to meet your individual needs. We can also provide best practice guidance and practical advice on how to comply with the wide range of worldwide standards relating to the adequate securing of loads in vehicles.
For more information, contact:
Iain Knight
Technical Lead, Modified Vehicles
Tel: +44 1344 770079
Email: iknight@trl.co.uk
