Should Cars Have More Failsafe Systems?

Monday, 14. June 2010

The recent problems experienced by Toyota have raised the question of safety in cars and should drivers and manufacturers be spending more time and effort on safety equipment than adjustable cup holders and refrigerated glove compartments (could never quite work that one out – cold gloves?). Clearly the answer is yes. There are more people travelling in cars than on aircraft but those piloting the planes are highly skilled and frequently tested. The planes also have multiple failsafe systems built in so that if one system fails another takes over. None of this is the case with drivers of cars and the safety systems fitted. Maybe we need to concentrate more on driver skills with driving tests being taken every 10 years, after all many drivers of the ‘Boomer era’ took their driving tests in cars without indicators or disc brakes so are they capable of mastering a car with safety aids such as brake assist, ESC, traction control, park assist etc. And are the designers going far enough with most cars being fitted with sophisticated electronic control systems but no back up systems when things go wrong? Of course there is a limit as to how much drivers are prepared to pay for additional safety systems to be fitted in cars and of course most drivers, who don’t believe they will ever be involved in an accident, would much prefer to spend time choosing the right colour than understanding the importance of ESC. I don’t have the answers but felt I would maybe provoke a little more thought amongst those of my readers who may be able to influence these things. There shouldn’t be a price on safety but as we all know there is! By Graham Hill