In the never ending fight to reduce road accident casualties, Euro NCAP who rate new cars safety, have introduced a new overall safety rating replacing the old three ratings, and the first six cars have now been rated.

Of the six cars tested four gained the maximum 5 stars, with the other two gaining 4 stars, which is a positive move by manufacturers in trying to reduce injuries caused by car accidents.

The new overall rating will cover pedestrian protection, adult occupant safety, child occupant safety and safety assist which is new to the ratings.

The tests will include all previous parts of the testing system including the recent addition assessing rear impact collision safety, or effectiveness in preventing whiplash injuries.

Also now speed limitation devices and electronic stability control (ESC) contribute towards the new car ratings, with ESC being seen as a major factor in reducing car accident deaths.

The cars overall rating is calculated based on the vehicles performance in the main four areas which are weighted in respect to one another.

Euro NCAP will over the next three years introduce stricter guidelines which will require higher levels of safety performance all round.

In 2007 within the EU road traffic accidents are estimated to have cost the economy 200 billion euros, which equates to 2% of the EU's gross national product. Increased car safety would help to reduce this figure and also reduce the personal traumas caused as a result of these road accidents.