Thatcham Research and Zenzic are developing a consumer safety rating, which they hope will be adopted by Euro NCAP.
The organizations have worked on safety testing for 25 years. During this period the focus was on passive and active safety. The latter was introduced a decade ago to examine the potential for radar and camera-based systems to prevent collisions – reveals Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham.
He explains: “The focus on crash prevention has underpinned a huge leap in safety for the UK’s passenger car fleet, leading to 65% reduction in passenger occupant injuries and deaths – comparing 1990 with 2010. That’s pre- and post- the inception of Euro NCAP, which is a big driver in setting the highest possible standards. As vehicles become increasingly automated the consumer will ask Euro NCAP ‘how safe are automated systems?’ So, we began testing the early generations of automation – assisted driving systems – in 2020. These Level 2 systems are a common feature of new vehicles. They support the driver with steering and braking, which can help to reduce fatigue on long journeys. However, the driver remains liable, and must keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”
Discover more about the safety rating.
Client: InformaTech, published by TU Automotive on 7th January 2022. Author: Graham Jarvis.


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