Road Safety

Road safety has improved significantly through the years due to increased car safety features. In a car accident your chances of injury and damage are increased if you have an older vehicle as the car could have weaker brakes, old style tyres, no crumple zones, no airbags, no padding, no seat belts or head rests.

Road Safety History

In 1958 Volvo introduced the Seat Belt and it still remains the most beneficial car safety device of all time. Just a couple of years later they added the padded dashboard to the safety features. This was an attempt to reduce facial and chest injuries from front impact collisions.

In 1966 the first mechanical anti-lock brakes (ABS) were introduced on a hand-built luxury sports car but it wasn't until after 1978 after Bosch and Mercedes-Benz had co-developed the electronic ABS system that they were used on other cars and motorbikes.

1967 brought the law that all cars sold in the UK must be fitted with front seat belts. It wasn't until 1983 that it became compulsory in the UK. In 1987 new cars sold in the UK must be fitted with rear seat belts and became compulsory for under 14 year olds to wear and in 1991 this was upgraded to everyone.

During 1968 Volvo began to offer front-seat head restraints which were aimed at protecting the head and neck in rear-end crashes. The Mercedes-Benz S-class became the first production car with a driver's airbag in 1981. Another safety feature, the high-level third brake light was introduced by Volvo in 1986.

In 1996 Euro NCAP was established. the Super minis were first to be tested, with the Rover 100 scoring just one star. It was withdrawn from sale 22 months later. More recently in 2005 pop-up bonnets were designed to reduce pedestrian injuries.

You can decrease your chances of injury in a car accident by carrying a car safety kit in your vehicle and make sure you carry out regular safety checks on your car or motorbike.

Safety reminders

You should allow for longer braking distances in bad weather
In ice or snow you should use as high a gear as possible to keep the car moving smoothly

Case Study

The recipient of a record-breaking accident compensation pay-out has given his support to a campaign urging drivers and passengers to take care on the road.

After six years of treatment, the man has impressed neurological specialists with his recovery and his determination to help raise awareness for road safety as well as raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance, which came to his rescue.

He says

"Please drive safely. It's important to take care, especially in this weather. Think when you are driving, wherever you are. Always, always wear a seatbelt. It can make the difference between life and death. If I hadn't had mine on, then who knows what would have happened."

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer an injury in a car accident then we are here to help you get back on the road. We can help you claim compensation for your injuries by offering a 100% Compensation - No Win No Fee service, meaning that you receive 100% of your compensation and pay absolutely nothing to claim.

You can make a claim if...

The accident happened less than 3 years ago*
The accident was not your fault
You have suffered injury, losses or expenses

* unless it is a claim for a child, which can be made any time up until the child reaches the age of 21. There are very few other exceptions.

So, if you've suffered an injury in a car accident in the last three years, contact us to find out how we can help you claim the compensation you are legally entitled to.

Call our free phone helpline 0800 0688 500 to speak to an advisor in confidence.

Or fill in our easy online claim form for a free claim assessment with no obligation.