Autonomous Safety Features Reduce Road Accidents

Autonomous safety features in new cars have decreased the number of road accidents in the UK by 10%, new figures indicate.

19:08 30 January 2018

Recent figures have confirmed that the growing range of autonomous safety features in new cars is one of the reasons why the number of road accidents in the UK has declined by 10per cent in the past five years.

 

According to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders (SMMT), 66.8per cent of all new cars sold are now equipped with either standard or optional driverless safety feature. Also, almost six in 10 feature parking assist technology, which uses a combination of sensors and cameras to help drivers manoeuvre into tight spaces.

 

Auto Express added that more than 42% of new vehicles could be fitted with overtaking sensors. It added that 53% of new cars have autonomous emergency breaking technology. It also confirmed that more than a million of the total 2.5 million new cars sold in 2017 featured collision warning systems, and at least 250,000 came with driverless braking. 

 

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: “Safety is the No. 1 priority for vehicle manufacturers and the pace of technological change is faster than ever before.”