by Brian Byrne. Latest EuroNCAP crash tests show huge improvements in new car safety, in just five years.
In 1999, 41 cars were tested in the programme and one achieved a 5-star rating. In 2005, 39 cars have so far been tested and 23 achieved the five stars.
Also in 1999, only one car got a 3-star pedestrian safety rating, but this year six cars have.
Manufacturers are increasingly investing in accident prevention technologies. For example, from July 2004 all new volume production cars have been fitted with ABS as standard, a voluntary move by car makers.
More new models also come with the latest electronic stability and traction control systems.
