Accident testing specialist Euro NCAP has marked its 20th year as a crash test specialist during which time it is estimated that it has helped to save more than 78,000 lives across Europe.  In the 20 years Euro NCAP has published over 630 safety ratings, crash-tested some 1,800 cars and collectively spent over €160 million to make cars safer.

The organisations first tests exposed safety failings in top-selling family cars, forcing a fundamental rethink in the way vehicles were designed to prevent accidents and save lives. Twenty years on, 9 out of 10 cars sold on the European market hold a Euro NCAP rating and the motor industry actively supports the development of new requirements for the top safety ratings.

Comparing the tests of 1997 and 2017 shows the huge technological advances that have been. Safety technologies that were non-existent or optional, such as driver and passenger airbags, side protection airbags, belt reminders and electronic stability control are now standard on all cars sold in Europe.
Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen said, “We are very proud, as we mark 20 years at the forefront of road safety, that Euro NCAP’s programme of safety tests has achieved major, life-saving improvements in cars and has helped Europe reach the lowest road fatality rate for any region in the world . Euro NCAP has given millions of consumers the knowledge and confidence to choose the safest cars possible.”

Euro NCAP’s programme was the first time that realistic, like-for-like tests had been conducted in Europe by independent experts, and the results sparked outrage from consumer groups, members of the public and the media

Max Mosley, the first Chairman of Euro NCAP and Chairman of Global NCAP said, “Twenty years on from what started as a controversial programme, rejected by manufacturers, and supposedly aiming for unrealistic safety standards, Euro NCAP is now firmly part of the automotive mainstream.  Thousands of fatalities have been prevented, consumer demand for safety is high, manufacturers compete on safety rating results, and vehicle safety standards continue to improve.”

In their 20 year development Euro NCAP tests have become ever more demanding and cars can now achieve a maximum of five stars, awarded not just for how they protect occupants and pedestrians in a collision, but on the car’s ability to avoid a crash in the first place. The tests represent real-life accident scenarios that could result in the death or injury. Top achievers must demonstrate that their cars are fitted as standard with technology that avoids or mitigates such crashes and, where a crash is not avoidable, adequate protection is offered to car occupants and other road users.

The video released by Euro NCAP to mark its 20th Anniversary show the startling difference between the levels of protection offered by a Rover 100 in 1997 compared to a 2017 Honda Jazz. As you can see by the results amazing progress has been made.