Research reveals customer concerns for safety

In 2005, NCAP commissioned a Europe wide MORI survey to identify the part played by safety in fluencing car buying decisions.

Those surveyed were asked to consider the most important aspects influencing their decisions once they'd found the right type of vehicle at the right price.

Safety and reliability were the two most important aspects.

Performance and running costs came third and fourth.

Prestige and appearance were of the least importance

Comfort was not a consideration and I can only think people associate comfort with the type of car they decide on.

47% of car buyers sought safety information. Magazines, newspapers, TV and friends were the main sources.

Again in 2005, Bosch's research revealed the majority of UK motorists were unaware of active safety systems.

British drivers had a good awareness of passive safety systems – airbags (89%), and seatbelts (76%), but only 18% identified ABS as an active safety system and only 1% nominated ESP.

Bosch found people regarded safety as important. Many had experienced emergencies. Most want laws strengthening. However only half the respondents knew what ABS does.

Renault say braking and road holding support active safety and accident avoidance. In other words, a car that brakes quickly when needed is a safer car.

ABS (anti-lock braking system) stops your car's wheels from locking, even during emergency braking. This means you can keep control of your vehicle's course because steering and cornering stability is maintained.

Bosch explain how if a wheel is about to lock under heavy braking, the ABS system reduces hydraulic pressure on that wheel alone until the threat of locking is past. Once the wheel is turning freely again, pressure is increased. This increase and release of pressure continues until the driver reduces the force on the brake pedal or until the tendency to lock is over come.

EBD (electronic brake distribution), is an additional function fitted in ABS which adjusts forces between the front and rear wheels.

Regards
Ralph Spence
Renault Croydon / REAGROUP
http://www.renaultusedcardealer.co.uk