Technology makes roads safer

Vehicle safety technology has contributed significantly to reducing the number of deaths and injuries reported on British roads, according to the latest report from the

Compared to an average taken between 1994 and 1998, 2006 figures revealed that pedestrian deaths and serious injuries were cut 40 per cent. Thirty nine per cent fewer car users were killed or seriously injured, and child fatalities and serious injuries were down 53 per cent

Investment in car, van and truck safety has helped drive down road casualties. The statistics from the DfT showed improvement in all areas, particularly a year-on-year reduction in pedestrian casualties. These were seven per cent down to 31,020 and child casualties down 10 per cent to 10,140.

The motor industry believes it continues to play a significant role in this progress. Improvements in passive safety – systems such as air bags and crumple zones designed to protect occupants in a crash – are now complemented by more cars on the road being fitted with active safety systems.

These prevent an accident happening and include technologies like lane departure warnings, assisted braking systems and ESC (electronic stability control) that works to prevent cars from skidding out of control.