Abstract: A folding safety bumper has a body portion which spans the respective front portion of the vehicle approximately between the front tires, and an end extension pivotally mounted on each respective end of the body portion. The end members are mounted in telescoping arrangement such that the front surface of the extension overlaps and extends in behind the rear surface of the body portion. The extension is biased into engagement with the rear surface of the body portion in a first normal position sufficient to withstand normal bumps and mishaps, by means of a cooperating bracket and brace rod. The brace rod, which is normally secured between the bracket and pivoting end extension, disengages under a forceful impact so that the end extension becomes free swinging.