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Insurer in detector safety test

A leading insurer has teamed up with a speed camera detector manufacturer to see if the Gatso warning devices really do make motorists safer

Premiums could be cut if detectors are found to reduce risk of crashes

29th January 2007

Bosses at yesinsurance.co.uk believe drivers who use a detector in their vehicle could be less of a risk than those who don't, and have joined forces with Road Angel to test the theory.

Under what is being billed as "the UK's first full-scale test of the benefits of in-car safety camera and accident blackspot warning systems", researchers plan to compare accident records of policyholders who use detectors with those who don't - and could even slash insurance costs if the results prove positive. "Should the research indicate that drivers with Road Angel are safer and better insurance risks, we hope that we will be able to offer lower premiums in the future," said yesinsurance spokesman Paul Purdy.

A million-mile test has already been carried out, and it showed that business drivers using a Road Angel had 50 per cent fewer accidents. The research also found these motorists were around 70 per cent less likely to have points added to their licence. The insurer claims detector users are made much more aware of their surroundings and are therefore at far less risk of being involved in a crash. "Evidence suggests that in addition to encouraging drivers to generally slow down, the system has a long-term effect on psychology, making them more aware of danger on the road and helping to alter their motoring styles accordingly," added Purdy.

To build up a database, the company is offer­ing a £75 discount on all Road Angel products. That represents a saving of around 50 per cent on the cost of a basic £150 unit, although several models will be available under the scheme, including one with built-in sat-nav.

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