Thatcham 'Stop the Crash' goes global

7 May 2014

Crash-test experts from around the world met at the Global NCAP Forum in Melbourne to mark the third anniversary of the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety and share international knowledge on cutting deaths and injuries on the world’s roads.

The importance of fleet safety is highlighted with the launch of the Global NCAP Fleet Buyer’s Guide. The Guide establishes best practice for fleet operators in their vehicle selection and provides guidelines on sourcing safe vehicles. In particular, the guide recommends fleet buyers to opt for cars with the top ‘five star’ safety rating.

At the Forum, Research Director of Thatcham, Matthew Avery, outlined the huge reduction in crashes with AEB equipped cars and the need for NCAPs worldwide to encourage system fitment by integrating global test standards. Thatcham’s current “Stop the Crash” campaign, which is gaining UK support points out that those who choose to buy a car with autonomous emergency braking are seeking to minimise the risk to other road users and that the government should meet buyers halfway, with a concessionary £500 as an incentive.

Chairman of Global NCAP Max Mosley said of the guide, “If a company provides a car for their staff to use, it should be as safe as reasonably possible. A five-star or Top Pick safety rating is the best indication of this. It’s prudent also to check whether cars also meet the UN’s minimum safety regulations. With so many global brands neglecting to apply these regulations, fleet managers and company car drivers should not assume basic safety comes as standard.”