|
Thatcham has tested three new collision
avoidance systems and hails the future reduction of collisions
on the UK's roads - 5th March 2008
Thatcham,
the UK research centre funded by the motor insurance industry
has announced during February the arrival of three revolutionary
new collision avoidance systems.
The systems reduce impact and in some
circumstances totally stop low speed bumps.
Low speed bumps are the most common type of
car accident on the UK's roads with up to 75% being of this
type, which cost billions of pounds each year in
road accident claims,
not to mention the possible injuries from things like
whiplash and the hassles of sorting out the claim It is
estimated that in time
road accident injuries could be reduced by 125,000 a year as
more cars begin to use the new technologies.
Thatcham Research Manager Matthew Avery,
said: “These systems are a massive breakthrough for keeping
motorists safe.
Vehicle manufacturers should be
congratulated for developing and introducing this technology
which is significant for the safety of all UK road users.
Collision avoidance systems represent the future of accident and
injury reduction on UK roads. “They will make a major impact on
the number of slow speed accidents – in Britain and across the
World".
The systems being introduced by Volvo,
Mercedes and Honda use different technologies for their
collision avoidance techniques but all were effective in
reducing impacts and so lowering the risk of injury. The new
technologies should not be seen as allowing drivers to take
extra risks whilst driving, but just as additional safety
mechanisms.
These technologies are in their infancy but
should advance into steering vehicles to avoid collisions,
detecting and preventing possible
pedestrian accidents or
cyclist accidents and many other possible
road safety
improvements. Car
|
