New technology in cars is set to save 64 lives and avoid 650 serious injuries every year in the UK.
Research by independent safety experts at Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, has found hi-tech braking systems that stop the car if it detects a possible accident could help prevent 2,700 casualties each year.
Studies by Thatcham show 92 per cent of collisions between cars and pedestrians occur at less than 30mph. It is at such speeds where new safety systems, such as Volvo's CitySafe and Mercedes' Pre-Safe Brake Assist, can help avoid accidents altogether or reduce the effects of an impact. Similar systems are also available on some models from BMW, Ford, Subaru and Toyota.
Thatcham also points out that these new safety systems help reduce whiplash injuries for the car's occupants, which could help lower insurance premiums for all drivers.
Following its research, Thatcham is calling for the widespread fitment of collision avoidance technology to all new cars. Matthew Avery, Thatcham's Crash Research Manager, said: "These systems are set to make a massive difference to the number of accidents and their severity on British roads and beyond. I believe that in time they will prove more effective than ESP electronic stability control."
Alisdair Suttie - 24 May 2011