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Government urged to enforce anti-crash car technology

Thatcham said 90% of road crashes are due to human error or distraction. Credit: PA

Thousands of lives could be saved if there were Government incentives for drivers buying cars with anti-crash technology, according to a motor research centre.

Initial UK data shows cars equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) have 18% fewer third-party injury claims, said Thatcham Research, the insurance industry's motor research centre.

Thatcham's chief executive Peter Shaw called for support for his company's Stop the Crash campaign which plans to ask the Treasury to introduce and fund a £500 incentive for those choosing to buy new cars with AEB fitted.

Mr Shaw said such a scheme would see 100% of the UK new car fleet fitted with AEB by 2025 which could avoid over 17,000 deaths and serious injuries on the UK's roads in a decade from 2015.