380 lives lost unnecessarily on UK roads

New research published by the Department for Transport shows vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are 25% less likely to be involved in fatal accidents.

In addition, new research released today (25th July) by Thatcham reveals that less than half of new cars sold in the UK have ESC fitted as standard. This compares poorly with 58% in Germany and 75% in Sweden. Whilst progress on standard fitment has been made, with a rise of 7% over 2006 figures, this level of fitment remains disappointing, since approximately 380 lives could be saved annually if the UK motorist had the same fitment levels as those in Scandinavia.

Researchers from the insurer funded research centre based in Thatcham, Berkshire are urging manufacturers to fit ESC as standard across their model ranges to help prevent the risk of collisions and cut unnecessary deaths.

Business leaders will be alerted to the life saving car technology and its availability on models marketed to UK fleets when attending the ‘Driving for Better Business’ road safety initiative launched by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at Northamptonshire’s Rockingham Circuit.

With fleet sales accounting for the majority of new car sales in the UK each year, business leaders are experiencing a difficult choice when choosing vehicles that will protect their drivers as only 2 models, the Volkswagen Golf and Passat, from the top 10 models based on non-private car sales in 2006, have ESC fitted as standard.

In Sweden, both Vauxhall and Toyota supply every car in their entire model range with ESC fitted as standard. However in the UK, the ESC fitment on Vauxhalls and Toyotas is sadly lacking, with only two models from each of these ranges sold with ESC as standard.

Matthew Avery, Thatcham’s Crash Research Manager comments “Whilst we have seen some improvement of fitment levels Thatcham’s message to vehicle manufacturers’ must be – you know ESC can make a real difference in preventing accidents occurring, you have an obligation to fit this technology as standard across all your model ranges. ESC is a fundamental safety device; think seat belts, think airbags, think ESC.”

For further details of Thatcham’s 2007 ESC Fitment Ratings see thatcham.org.