Frequently Asked Questions
Car Buyers Guide
| Q: |
I want to buy a safe car, how should I choose? |
| A: |
Choosing a car is a balance between many factors, and safety is only one of these. Try to choose as safe a car as you can. There is lots of information and safety ratings available to help you choose. Research has shown the choice of a safer car can significantly effect your risk of death or injury in the event of a collision. Thatcham is a member of Euro NCAP, the biggest consumer test program, which has tested hundreds of cars. The best cars earn a 5 star rating. |
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| Q: |
Which is the safest car on the road? |
| A: |
There is no specific “safest” car, since the level of safety depends on the circumstances of the potential collision. You should try to choose a car that has good safety ratings. Larger cars tend to be safer than smaller cars due to their greater weight. However newer cars (since 2001) tend to be safer than older ones of a comparable weight. Where buyers are interested in good fuel economy the choice of a smaller car may be a false one for safety. Instead consider a larger car with a smaller more fuel efficient engine. |
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| Q: |
Where can I find information and ratings about how safe cars are? |
| A: |
There are lots of safety ratings for cars:
Thatcham's My Vehicle offers a comprehensive set of vehicle ratings and information, allowing you to compare the safety credentials of up to 12 cars side by side.
See www.thatcham.org/ncwr if you are specifically looking for Thatcham’s whiplash ratings. Whiplash is the most common injury in motor vehicle crashes.
See www.euroncap.com www.euroncap for car safety ratings from Euro NCAP - the European car safety organisation. Thatcham is a member of Euro NCAP representing the British Insurers. Euro NCAP rates cars out of 5 stars for occupant and pedestrian protection. Cars with 5 star ratings have the best safety performance. Real world studies show a good correlation between star ratings and real world safety.
You should also choose a car that is fitted with ESC. You can find Thatcham’s ESC fitment ratings and more information at www.thatcham.org/esc. ESC prevents the driver losing control in a skid. ESC automatically controls the vehicle by comparing the steering and braking actions carried out by the driver to what the vehicle is actually doing. If the ESC senses that the vehicle is veering from the intended course – a skid – it automatically brakes selective wheels to bring the car back into line. A study from the UK Department for Transport has shown that cars equipped with ESC are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those car not equipped with ESC.
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Insurance claims and court cases
| Q: |
I need some evidence to support my whiplash injury claim, can Thatcham help? |
| A: |
No, Thatcham does not provide evidence for individual cases. We do not get involved in dispute or insurance claims. However, by looking at the Thatcham seat ratings an indication is given as to a specific car’s ability to protect their occupants. |
| Q: |
Can Thatcham reconstruct my accident? |
| A: |
No, Thatcham does not reconstruct accidents for individuals. We do however offer a consultancy service for member insurance companies. |
| Q: |
I’m involved in a court case about my car crash, can you provide an expert witness? |
| A: |
No, Thatcham cannot provide an expert witness service. We do not participate in court cases. |
| Q: |
Why doesn’t Thatcham get involved with court cases or insurance claims, when surely they are they experts? |
| A: |
Yes, Thatcham has vast knowledge and expertise concerning accidents, insurance claims, and in particular whiplash injury. However, Thatcham is an independent research centre, representing all of the British Insurers. |
Whiplash
| Q: |
How should I adjust my head restraint? |
| A: |
The head restraint should be positioned as close to the back of the head and level with the top of the head as possible. Click here for more information. |
| Q: |
What can I do to protect myself from whiplash injury? |
| A: |
You should choose a car that has good whiplash protection provided by the seat and head restraint. You can refer to Thatcham’s whiplash ratings at www.thatcham.org/ncwr to help you choose. You should aim to select a car with a seat and head restraint rated as ‘GOOD’ for whiplash protection.
You should also adjust your head restraint properly. |
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
For a detailed set of FAQs on Electronic stability Control, click here.
Primary Safety Technologies (P-Safe)
| Q: |
What are these new technologies? |
| A: |
Primary safety technologies are systems that will help the driver to prevent or to mitigate (lessen) a potential collision. The systems will warn the driver, or even take over from the driver if they are temporarily distracted.
For more information go to www.thatcham.org/tcas. |
| Q: |
What sort of primary safety technologies are available on the market? |
| A: |
There are a wide range of technologies currently available. For more information see Thatcham information about Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Forward Collision Avoidance. |
| Q: |
Should I buy a car fitted with a primary safety technology? |
| A: |
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has been on the market for over a decade, and there is much proof of its ability to prevent crashes. Thatcham recommends that you buy a car fitted with ESC, and you can find fitment rating information at www.thatcham.org/esc to help you choose.
Other technologies are newer, and there is little evidence available yet as to their effectiveness in the real world. Many technologies are showing great potential for crash prevention, and you can find out more at www.thatcham.org/tcas. |
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