Safety assist technologies will save lives: Euro report

A report released today by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) reveals that new safety technologies will play a major role in bringing down the numbers killed on European roads. A view that ANCAP supports.

Lane keeping technology, intelligent seat belt reminders and speed assist and control systems are strongly recommended in the report, with each of these technologies contributing to the reduction in road trauma in the European Union.

"This report highlights the importance of bringing vital safety assist technologies into our cars as early as possible in order to drive down road trauma," said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicholas Clarke.

Another 'myth-busting' element of the report reveals that fatality rates on German motorways with no speed limits (autobahns) are experiencing an increase in fatalities compared to those with speed limits. The report recommends that all motorways in Germany be speed limited.

ANCAP is leading the way through its rating system in encouraging the inclusion of technologies such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping systems in all new cars.

"The ETSC report is yet further confirmation that technology is a critical element in road safety and ANCAP is calling on governments, fleets and consumers to demand these technologies in their cars," added Mr Clarke.

A copy of the report, Ranking EU Progress on Improving Motorway Safety, can be accessed here.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

To search individual crash test results for more than 510 vehicles, learn more about safety features and technologies, and explore interactive features, visit ancap.com.au. To watch videos and download images and media releases, go to ancap.com.au/media-and-gallery.