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Self driving cars may seem years away, but more than 1.5 million cars a year now come with self-activating safety systems, according to analysis revealed today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (91��Ƭ������).

Data from SMMTand JATO Dynamics¹ shows that more than half of new cars registered in 2015 were available with safety-enhancing collision warning systems, with other technologies such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring also surging in popularity.

Semi-autonomous vehicle technology not only eases the task of driving, but importantly, has the potential to reduce significantly the risk of serious accidents. And it is appearing on increasing numbers of cars being sold today.

Technologies that are rapidly becoming more commonplace include collision warning systems, which monitor the space ahead of the car using radar and cameras to provide obstacle warnings. These were a feature of 58.1% of Britain’s record new car market in 2015 – whether as standard or a cost option. In contrast, just five years ago collision warning was available on only 6.8% of new cars.

Autonomous emergency braking, which automatically applies the brakes to avoid or reduce the effects of an impact should the driver fail to react, was offered on more than 1 million (39%) of all new cars – with 18% of buyers getting the safety tech as standard.

Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, were a feature of around a third (31.7%) of new cars, either as standard or available as an option. Just five years ago, less than 10% of new cars were available with this technology.

Mike Hawes, SMMTChief Executive, said, “Fully driverless cars are still a long way off from everyday use, but this data shows advanced autonomous technology is already making its way into the majority of new cars. Connected and autonomous cars will transform our society – vastly improving safety and reducing congestion and emissions – and will contribute billions to the economy. The UK is already earning a reputation as a global development hub in this field, thanks to significant industry and government investment, and the ability to trial these cars on the roads right now.”

A report commissioned by SMMTlast year found that serious accidents could fall by more than 25,000, saving 2,500 lives every year by 2030, as a result of driverless vehicle technology.² Besides improving safety, these cars also offer the scope to reduce congestion-induced stress, providing drivers with more free time and allowing them to be more productive. It is estimated that the annual saving to consumers by the end of the next decade could be as high as £40 billion, with motorists able to multi-task while behind the wheel, get to their destinations more quickly and save money on fuel, insurance and parking.

The motor industry is investing heavily in the new technologies that will make fully autonomous and connected vehicles possible. In the UK in particular, it is forecast that by 2030 the development, production and use of these systems could provide up to 320,000 new jobs and give an annual boost to the economy of £51 billion.

Semi-autonomous safety technology availability on new cars registered in 2015

1 Autonomous technology vehicle content analysis by JATO Dynamics based on SMMTnew car registration data.

2 Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: The UK Economic Opportunity – 2014: