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Number of fatal crashes has halved in past 10 years

The number of fatal crashes has halved over the last decade. The Department for Transport has revealed that in 2001 there were 3,176 fatal crashes, compared to 1,637 in 2012.

The number of accidents has also decreased, with 145,571 accidents reported in 2012. That number is over a third less than what it was 10 years ago. 

Before you start thinking that this may be down to motorists getting better at driving, think again. According to the experts, cars are getting safer simply because of better design and the increased amount of technology fitted inside them. 

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a good example. It is already installed on a large number of modern vehicles, and under EU rules, this technology will be fitted to all new cars from next year. 

ESC uses sensors to detect a car skidding, and then helps the driver re-gain control by applying carefully calculated braking to each individual wheel that needs it. Manufacturers are also starting to install autonomous braking into their vehicles. This uses radar technology to detect potential obstacles that a motorist may face whilst on the road. It then applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t take action to avoid hitting them. 

What’s your view on autonomous car safety features? Let us know by dropping a comment below. 

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