Road Safety Award for Thatcham by Royal Appointment

Thatcham’s contribution to safer roads was officially recognised today, as the research centre accepted a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for their commitment to whiplash research and the promotion of technologies aimed at reducing the number of accidents on the road.

Following a recommendation from the judging panel and subsequent personal approval by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, Thatcham now join an elite list of domestic and international organisations whose efforts in improving road safety have been similarly acknowledged since the prestigious awards were founded in 1987.

In particular, it is Thatcham’s research on whiplash and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) that the award recognises. The Centre has been rating seats and head restraints for their capacity to mitigate whiplash since 2002 and largely as a result of Thatcham’s work and associated pressure from insurers and consumers have driven a significant change for the better in the design of these key safety components. More recently Thatcham have been applying similar pressure on vehicle manufacturers with regard to providing Electronic Stability Control, as standard, in new vehicles. Billed as ‘Three Letters to Save Your Life’ Thatcham’s publically available standard fitment ratings have been a vital tool in driving vehicle manufacturers to have similar standard fitment levels in the UK, as can be found in certain other European countries. The Research Centre’s work with local youth and community groups is also seen as a valuable contribution to promoting safer roads.

Announcing the award, Adrian Walsh, Director of organising body RoadSafe, said, “The outstanding leadership shown by Thatcham, underpinned by its publicity efforts, have raised an understanding of many key vehicle safety features to unprecedented heights. This award is thoroughly deserved and long overdue’.

Receiving the award, Andrew Miller, Director of Research at Thatcham, said “As Thatcham approaches its fortieth year, it is extremely gratifying that whilst we continue to focus on delivering key research and information to our insurer members, we are also able to play an important role in making Britain’s roads safer. This recognition, coming from the highest level, means a great deal to the research technicians who really feel that their work does make a difference to the safety of UK motorists.”