- Cars that stop themselves could save as many lives as the introduction of seatbelts
- What Car? explains how this new life-saving technology works
New safety technology could reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on UK roads by 17,000 in 10 years, reports this month’s What Car? magazine, available now.
The Thatcham motor insurance research centre investigated the potential impact of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and found that thousands of accidents could be prevented or the effect lessened if all cars were fitted with the technology from 2015.
AEB uses a combination of laser and radar to detect an imminent collision with an obstacle in front of the car and then automatically applies the brakes. If the driver fails to respond, the system will bring the car to a complete halt.
Deaths or serious injuries could fall by 17,000 by 2025 and could also cut whiplash claims, which currently total 550,000 per year and cost the UK insurance industry a total of £2 billion, pushing premiums up in the process.
Alex Newby, What Car?’s consumer editor, said: “When seatbelts became compulsory for front-seat occupants in 1983, the number of motorists killed or seriously injured fell by almost 50% overnight.
“AEB could have a similar effect, making it the most important safety innovation in more than 30 years. This type of active safety aims, primarily, to avoid the crash in the first place, rather than minimise the after-effects.
“There are several active safety systems that experts recommend in particular, but AEB is the only one that they unanimously agree we should all be demanding on our next car.”
Other important car safety technology identified by the What Car? feature includes Lane Support, Attention Assist and Speed Alert systems.
The following manufacturers currently fit these AEB systems as optional or standard on selected models in their range.
| Manufacturer | City | Inter-urban | Pedestrian |
| Audi | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| BMW | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fiat | ✓ | – | – |
| Ford | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Honda | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Infiniti | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lexus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mazda | ✓ | – | – |
| Mercedes-Benz | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mitsubishi | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Nissan | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Seat | ✓ | – | – |
| Skoda | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Toyota | – | ✓ | – |
| Vauxhall | – | ✓ | – |
| Volkswagen | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Volvo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
About What Car?
What Car? is Britain’s biggest and best car buyer’s guide and comprises the flagship magazine, a market-leading website plus several established brand extensions. What Car? has helped Britain’s car buyers make important purchasing decisions for more than 40 years, and its tests are widely regarded as the most trusted source when buying a new car.
What Car? is bought by 63,304 readers every month (latest ABC figure, January to December 2013).
Whatcar.com is the UK’s leading car-buying website, offering trusted reviews and data on every new car. A winner of numerous awards and accolades, whatcar.com attracted more than three million visitors in January 2014 (desktop and mobile). The website also offers advice on car leasing, new car deals and used cars for sale.