Stability control saves lives
Car buyers about to choose a '06-plate model should ensure it's equipped with stability control (SC), according to a report published today by which.co.uk.
The top scorers in every safety category have SC fitted as standard: Peugeot 1007 (supermini); Mercedes Benz B-Class (small family); Volvo S40 (large family); Volkswagen Touran (small MPV); Audi A8 (executive); and BMW Z4 (sports and coupés).
The number of new cars fitted with SC in the UK rose from 29 per cent in 2004 to 33 per cent last year. Some studies show it could reduce accident rates by up to a third*. Which? thinks it’s high time all cars were fitted with this potentially life-saving technology as standard.
SC can prevent a severe skid or loss of control by braking individual wheels, thus guiding the car in the desired direction if it senses the driver is in danger of losing control.
Kevin Delaney**, an advanced driver, was confident of dealing with any motoring situation. However, while travelling at 70mph on the M11 a lorry wheel rolled out in front of him. “I hit the brakes very hard, turned the wheel hard left and expected the worst”, he said.
He’s convinced the SC system in his Volkswagen Passat saved his life. As he swerved to avoid the obstacle, the SC system guided the car in the right direction to avoid a skid.
Malcolm Coles, editor, which.co.uk, says:
“There’s no substitute for careful driving, but we think stability control is potentially life-saving technology that should be fitted as standard on all new cars. If you’re about to buy a new car, make sure it has this valuable safety feature.”
At the other end of the safety scale, SC is not available on the poorest performing car tested, the Chevrolet Matiz. Disappointingly, this version of the Matiz offers less protection than the model it replaces.
Another poor safety performer is the Citroën Berlingo Multispace which, considering it’s targeting the family market, scored particularly badly.
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