Thatcham says braking technology will drive down whiplash

Technology and engineering hold the key to addressing the UK’s whiplash problem, according to Thatcham Research head of research Matthew Avery.

Speaking at yesterday’s Lyons Davidson whiplash conference, Avery said that several studies had shown a drop in personal injury claims and accident damage of more than 25% in a year for cars using an emergency braking system.

This system, called autonomous emergency braking (AEB), uses radar to warn the driver when to brake, and will then brake automatically if the driver does nothing.

Avery said Thatcham was working with several car manufacturers and insurers on the subject.

Eventually cars with AEB systems fitted could be eligible for reduced premiums if one Thatcham proposal is taken up, he added.

Avery said: “The effectiveness of AEB systems as primary vehicle safety technologies in preventing accidents from occurring in the first place is the key to reducing both personal injury and accident damage claims.

“As we see more and more manufacturers beginning to offer effective crash prevention systems on a range of mainstream, volume selling vehicles, we should begin to see a reduction in claims, which can only be good news for insurers and motorists.”