Safety & Security
The safety of all road users is the automotive industry’s number one priority. Implementation of new technological developments ensures that improvements in occupant and pedestrian safety continue to be made.
Safety
Road safety is the number one priority for all automotive manufacturers, and this commitment, combined with innovation, is why the UK has some of the safest roads in the world.
Manufacturers continually refine vehicle design and construction to improve both passive and active safety systems, ahead of regulatory need – in fact, many of the systems that industry has proactively developed ultimately become standardised requirements. For instance, Intelligent Speed Assist, which became mandatory on new vehicles in the European Union in 2024, has been available and fitted to vehicles in the UK since 1994.
Technologies such as blind spot information systems and advanced emergency braking systems are developed thanks to massive industry investment and save thousands of lives both in the UK and overseas.
As well as engineering new safety technologies, the automotive sector engages proactively with government and regulators to develop new legislation, ensuring it is effective and technically achievable. For instance, SMMT works closely withbodies including the UK government, TfL and UNECE to develop new regulations such as the Direct Vision Standard, and the innovative systems required to deliver successful, safe outcomes.
The Euro NCAP vehicle star system – covering cars, vans and HGVs – provides independent assessment of the safety performance of vehicles sold in Europe. This independent scrutiny helps drive up standards and helps spur on further investment in safety technologies, while increasing consumer demand for the latest innovation.
Security
Over the past decade, rates of car theft have fallen dramatically compared with 20 or 30 years ago, thanks in part to vehicle manufacturers developing technologies to increase protection from theft. Drivers are reaping the benefits of vehicle tracker technology, immobilisers and keyless security systems which provide hands-free operation, avoid mechanical lock failure and integrate with the overall vehicle security system.
Vehicle security, however, is an arms race, with very determined, well-funded individuals and transnational organised crime groups on one side, and the automotive industry on the other. Technology plays a crucial role but cracking vehicle crime depends on collaboration – which is why, in addition to constantly refining security systems, the industry works with the police, insurers and other security stakeholders as well as government, to find solutions.
