Crash avoidance systems could lower insurance rates
Aug 10, 2012, 4:59 AM | Updated: 9:32 am
A Toyota equipped with the latest safety technology stops near another car to avoid a collision during its test run at the Toyota Safety Education Center near Tokyo. Toyota developed a system for detecting rear-end collisions before they happen. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)
(AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)
The 2013 car models are hitting showrooms, many featuring advanced crash avoidance systems. A leading industry expert said during a visit to Seattle this week studies show they’re worth the money.
“We find we’re getting good real-world results from those systems,” said Kim Hazelbaker, Sr. Vice President with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
According to Hazelbaker, the industry is undergoing a significant shift of emphasis from crash worthiness to crash avoidance. A recent study finds in particular systems that warn of forward crash or those that automatically trigger the brakes are particularly effective.
In a briefing with Seattle-based Pemco Insurance, Hazelbaker detailed the effectiveness of the new systems. He said they’ll continue to become more available in cars of all price ranges.
For example, he pointed to the 2013 Toyota Camry, which will feature a number of crash avoidance systems.
Hazelbaker said while crashes will never be avoided completely, if the number of incidents continues to decline, it could mean lower insurance rates for drivers who have the systems.
“Clearly, the first issue for insurers is what do their losses look like, and to the extent that these features reduce crashes entirely. That results in lower losses and hopefully results in lower losses down the line.”
