Speed spies to help cut road traffic accidents

Experts looking into the development of cars and insurance policies believe that around half of cars will have speed spies installed by 2020. It is hoped the move will reduce the number of road traffic accidents. It may even become compulsory for drivers to have the devices in the next 10 years to monitor the way someone is driving, - or they may be refused insurance on their car.

The devices include technology called telematics, which can record how many journeys a car has made, the time of day the car is being driven, as well as the speed the car is travelling at and information about braking. From October 2015, this technology will automatically be included in all new cars.

These devices are already used by some insurers and can reduce insurance premiums for good, safe drivers. Those who do not accept the changes could expect to pay significantly higher insurance premiums in the future, or be refused insurance altogether. A spokesperson from one of the insurance comparison sites commented, “There will be reasons for people opting out – perhaps because they are bad drivers, or are unhappy with the privacy element, or have an older car. But they will have to accept a higher premium to insure their car”.

However those that opt out may instead have privacy and security concerns. Many people are campaigning against these changes, as they believe it is an infringement on privacy and they are worried about who could access such data and how it could be used.  

The devices should in themselves encourage safer driving and also may be able to help in compensation claims. The devices can store information on the speed a car was travelling, so it may be beneficial to determine impact speeds and likely injuries caused in certain accidents. They can also determine the exact location of a car at a particular time, so could help emergency services locating an accident, to get there in quicker time.

Freeclaim Solicitors welcomes any moves that could help reduce road traffic accidents, as long as the insurance industry take steps to protect people’s data and security and ensure people can opt out without penalty. Emma Greenhalgh, Head of the Road Accident Department at Freeclaim Solicitors, commented, “Any technology that will reduce road traffic accidents and the number of casualties on our road is welcomed. However anyone who wants to opt out due to concerns over privacy or security should be allowed to do so without fear of being refused insurance.”

There are also concerns that the insurance industry will not reduce premiums for good drivers to maintain higher profits, whilst over inflating premiums for bad drivers. Emma Greenhalgh from Freeclaim Solicitors continued, “The insurance industry consistently warns of premium increases year on year and they cannot have it both ways. If such technology is introduced they need to ensure premiums for safer drivers are massively reduced.”

At Freeclaim Solicitors, we have specialists in road traffic accidents compensation. We have over 25 years’ experience and a track record of success and are members of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS) and recommended by the prestigious Legal 500.  Call us free on 0800 612 7340 for advice on road accident compensation. One of our specialist road accident claims team will be happy to discuss your accident and provide you with legal advice, with no obligation.

http://www.freeclaim.co.uk/

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