icedmocha 

Has anyone else noticed these battering rams becoming prevalent?
https://www.google.com/search?q=stin...w=1280&bih=923

They are an off-road use item to prevent roll overs. However they seem to have become a fashion item and are usually at precisely the head height of cyclists. These things have been killing auto drivers:
Teen injured in Memorial Day crash dies | KSL.com
Investigators say 'large aftermarket' bumper on Jeep contributed to death of 2 Teens - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM - AJOR

I can't imagine how quickly a cyclist will die.

Essex

Have never seen one on a Jeep, or other AWD. Can't see how they would be legal on a highway.

B. Carfree

I've only seen a few, and they haven't been as forward-oriented as the ones in the link. I don't see them as adding much to the (small) hazard of the road for cyclists. If you're interacting with the front end of an SUV, you're already in a world of hurt.

enigmaT120

I've seen a few. I don't really get what they are for, and I have two 4WD pickups. Maybe to push brush down in front of you? I don't see how they would make any difference in a roll-over situation.

badrad

It's used to reduce the chance of front roll-over, for instance when coming down a steep incline.

ItsJustMe

Some of the photos linked show what they're for. When you're going down a steep incline and the incline ends quickly, causing the front bumper to hit, the thing can keep the vehicle from tipping forward over the nose.

These should not be legal on the road.

However, good luck (here in Michigan) getting the cops to ticket anyone for equipment issues. I think you could drive a rig straight out of a Mad Max movie on the road here and nobody would blink.

Chris516

I can imagine them being allowed during off-road use of the vehicle. But on the highways or public streets.

GravelMN

They are centered in the front of a raised four-wheeler and only stick out a couple of feet. Stupid for street fashion, yes, but the only place I see them as a new and bigger problem for cyclists is if they stick out enough that you hit it crossing in front of the stopped 4x4. In rear-end or side collisions at speed, you are going under a vehicle like that anyway. I see them as more of a problem causing intrusion into other vehicles in t-bone collisions and I have no doubt they will be illegal soon if not already for street use.

mconlonx

The only cars on which I've ever seen these things mounted seem to be dedicated off-road 4wd machines. Usually lifted, with enormous tires, a snorkel intake, winch, jack bolted to the outside somewhere, a fire extinguisher somewhere within reach of the driver, and in most but not all cases, an internal roll cage.

Bikes and Jeeps

They are unusual for a street driven vehicle, at least around here.
If you get hit with a lifted 4x4, a stinger isn't going to make much of a difference.

kickstart

Just noticed one today on a Jeep, seems to be much a do about nothing, if it were to hit someone they're already in a world of hurt.

The same Jeep also had a bike rack sticking out the back, I can imagine a cyclist impaling themselves on it......."there-aught-a-be-a-law'.......

JonnyHK 

Come to Australia:
roo bars

icedmocha 

Yes, you are likely to be hurt when hit by a vehicle. That doesn't mean that we should increase the chances of death. Are you fine sharpened lances sticking out front of cars, because "yer gonna be hurt already!"? Did you read the links?

icedmocha 

Some of those things are insane!