Thatcham chief executive Peter Shaw presented the research centre’s vision on how to improve vehicle safety and reduce whiplash
The presentation came as senior transport ministers and insurance bosses held talks this week.
High on the agenda were issues surrounding young drivers and the changes the insurance industry feels should be made to support Graduated Driving licences , but also key were the on-going discussions around the unacceptably high number of whiplash claims in the UK.
Peter Shaw, presenting on behalf of Thatcham and the insurance industry, recognised the great work of vehicle manufacturers on the continued introduction of important safety technologies, but also invited ministers to consider further incentives for manufacturers to fit key safety equipment as standard.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in particular has been shown in real world trials to reduce low speed collisions by at least 20%. Impressed by the research, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) agreed in October last year to reflect the standard fitment of AEB into the vehicle group rating system, potentially providing owners with a favourable insurance premium. However there remains plenty of scope for vehicle manufacturers to make the standard fitment of such equipment a priority on new models.
‘Stop the crash, Stop the claim’ was Peter’s simple message as the discussion moved on to whiplash, citing AEB as a critical driver in reducing claims. Turning to seats and head restraints and their ability to protect the occupant, vehicle manufacturers were once again acknowledged for their efforts in improving designs. However, as the number of whiplash claims remains highly unsatisfactory, Peter was also keen to show how biomechanical and engineering evidence driven by Thatcham’s unique research and testing programme could be used, at least in part, to validate claims as similar evidence does in other European countries.
‘This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate just how far the automotive industry has come in terms of improvements in safety and how insurers have in turn embraced this innovation and provided both manufacturers and consumers a reason to embrace AEB fitment.’ said Peter, ‘However, clearly there is still work to do and it’s great news that we are able to present some of our own recommendations to this important group, who will now have a major influence in moving the whiplash and vehicle safety debate forward.’
