Market penetration of vehicle safety systems

Safety systems integrated in vehicles are of great significance with respect to preventing traffic accidents and mitigating the consequences of accidents. Safety systems integrated in vehicles are of great significance with respect to preventing traffic accidents and mitigating the consequences of accidents. The market penetration of vehicle safety systems in cars has been investigated on behalf of the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt). Whilst established safety systems such as airbags can be found in almost all vehicles (98 percent of cars), newer systems are only present in few vehicles. Vehicles in the entry-level luxury segment and full-size cars are most frequently fitted with safety systems, and new systems in particular are found most frequently in these vehicle segments. Vehicles with high annual mileage and frequency of use are similarly more extensively equipped. The growing number of new registrations of SUVs and off-road vehicles, which are often equipped with a number of safety systems, is reflected in the statistics. Private buyers particularly deem systems to be relevant to safety and sensible if they have been prescribed by law or established for a long period. Own experiences with safety systems lead to a positive attitude and dispel prejudices. Fleet operators generally incorporate vehicle safety systems in the vehicle equipment once their benefits have been proven.