Motorists need to take initiative to reduce road related deaths

Studies show that road trauma could be reduced by up to 40% when incorporating the best available safety features, although one in three motorists are clueless about what safety features they have on their vehicles says low cost car insurance provider Budget Direct.

Spokesperson for Budget Direct, Richelle Ward said over the years road fatalities have steadily declined but too many people are still being killed on our roads. To help reduce this number there are measures that drivers could undertake that may mean the difference between life and death.

With the help of Market Research Company footprints, over 1200 road users were asked if their vehicle had safety features like Electronic Stability Control, Antilock Braking Systems, or Traction Control and the results are alarming.

“Our research confirms a need for more understanding when it comes to motorists’ knowledge of road safety features. When asked about Traction Control 31% of motorists didn’t know if they had it, 24% didn’t know if they had Electronic Stability Control, and 11% were in the dark about Antilock braking systems.

“Awareness is vital when it comes to improving road safety and customer demand could force manufacturers into incorporating new technologies that are capable of saving lives.

“Our research highlights an area that doesn’t get a lot of attention when really it’s one area that motorists can be proactive about when trying to reduce the severity of road accidents,” Ms Ward said.

Electronic Stability Control is a relatively new technology which assists a driver in avoiding loss of vehicle control and while studies show it could reduce the risk of fatal single vehicle crashes by 32% - more than half (53%) of motorists don’t have this feature and a further 24% didn’t know,” Ms Ward said.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has a Five Star rating program offering buyers valuable information on available vehicles. It uses four different crash scenarios to test a vehicles safety and also takes into account the advantages of Electronic Stability Control, airbags, and seatbelt systems.

Checklist of what helps vehicles rate well in ANCAP crash tests:

• Structural Integrity
• Electronic Stability Control
• Anti-Lock Braking Systems
• Airbags
• Seatbelts and seat belt reminders

About Budget Direct

Budget Direct is the signature brand for A&G Insurance Services and is in its 10th year of operation as one of Australia’s leading low cost insurance providers.

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