Driver assistance technology that can prevent accidents is now available on almost 7 in 10 cars on the market, helping drive down the number of accidents on UK roads, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

7 in 10 cars now have driver aids that can prevent accidents

Latest data from the SMMT and JATO Dynamics shows that some 66.8% of new cars are offered with at least one self-activating safety system, either as standard or as an optional extra. Nearly 1.8 million new vehicles in 2016  came with collision warning systems alone, up 20% on the previous year.

AEB, which automatically applies the brakes to avoid or reduce the effects of an impact, is available on more than half (53.1%) of new cars, with a quarter featuring the technology as standard. Meanwhile, overtaking sensors are available to 42.1% of buyers and 36.2% have Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the car to slow down and speed up automatically while keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Parking assistance technology, including cameras and sensors, is available as standard or as an option on 58.8% of new cars.

According to the SMMT, road accidents in the UK have fallen by nearly 10% over the past five years due to the innovations in automotive safety, and are set to fall further with new developments.

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