Safety systems a 'mystery' to most drivers

The results of a motor industry survey showed that so-called active safety systems on cars were a "mystery" to most drivers, with 58% failing to name any active safety system in a modern car.

Only 29% named ABS - anti-lock braking system - despite this now being standard on all new cars, said that Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Research carried out in Sweden recently showed cars fitted with "stability control" were involved in 22% fewer accidents than vehicles without such systems, rising to 32% in wet conditions. Another Japanese study had suggested a reduction in accidents of between 30% and 35%.

But despite this, only 6% of drivers knew about ESP (electronic stability programme) according to the SMMT findings, while 6% were also unable to name any active or passive safety feature.

Active safety systems are technologies that prevent accidents from happening, while passive safety limit the effect of an accident on vehicle occupants or pedestrians.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive commented: "Many of the latest technologies are becoming more common in new cars. What this survey shows is that most people are not aware of the many basic safety systems fitted to modern cars, let alone the investment in the latest active safety systems which are helping to drive down injuries and deaths on the roads."

Awareness of passive safety systems was far more widespread, the survey found. As many as 92% of drivers could name an example, with 47% mentioning airbags and 36% seatbelts.

The SMMT, along with the road safety partnership RoadSafe, have launched a campaign to raise awareness about the latest developments in vehicle safety technology.

Safety is BLIS

Meanwhile, Volvo is to offer UK car drivers a "high-tech solution" to avoiding accidents caused by blind-spots, using BLIS - Blind Spot Information System (see picture) .

BLIS uses an "intelligent" digital camera system incorporated into both door mirrors, which constantly monitors the area alongside the car for other vehicles. It alerts the driver via an orange light housed in the car's A-pillar by the door mirror. BLIS also works after dark, when it will react to the headlamps of any surrounding vehicles.

Volvo said that while the system did not remove motorist's responsibility to carry out the usual visual checks, it would offer frequent motorway users or city drivers an "added level of protection against vehicles hovering in the periphery of the driver's field of vision."

It claimed the system was capable of making the distinction between mobile and immobile objects such as parked cars, road barriers, lampposts and other static objects, ensuring that all alerts were limited to potentially hazardous moving obstacles. The system can be switched off by the driver.

Ingrid Skogsmo, director of car safety at Volvo, said: "Preventing accidents and reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in traffic are both high on the agenda of an increasing number of countries.

"We see everything from so-called zero-limits in Sweden and the Netherlands to national goals of between 30% and 50% fewer accidents over the coming 10 year period. As a leading company in the field of car safety, Volvo must naturally play an active part in working toward these goals."

BLIS is already available as an option on the Volvo XC90 and it is expected to be introduced to the rest of the carmakers' range next year.