As of September 2012, there were over 645,000 cars registered to travel across the 2,090 kilometers of roads; giving Hong Kong one of the most heavily used road networks in the world. Road safety has been established as a 2013 priority by the Hong Kong Police Commissioner - in particular, the Commissioner wants to see a reduction in fatal and serious accidents through a series of initiatives to deter drink driving, drug driving and illegal racing.
Despite a growing population and an increase in vehicle registrations, the number of accident fatalities in Hong Kong has remained at a relatively low level for the city’s population. In 2012, there were 119 traffic accident fatalities, and the fact that this is the second lowest figure on record since 1955 shows a concerted effort to minimize accidents. Road safety is also aided by the fact that all vehicles in Hong Kong must be registered and licensed; likewise, commercial and goods motor vehicles in must undergo annual examinations to ensure they meet Road Traffic Regulations before they can have their license renewed.
Safety technology in cars has experienced a quantum leap in the past few years, with advances spurred on by governments in order to lessen the loss of life and injuries, as well as give automotive manufacturers a competitive edge. “Every year, car manufacturers constantly work to innovate and make their cars better and safer for the driver, whatever the size of the vehicle,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.
We explore a range of some of the safest cars available in Hong Kong to keep you and your family secure on the roads:
Volvo XC60
Long renowned for their focus on safety features, Volvo has further built upon their reputation with the XC60. This car includes a range of traditional Volvo safety features such as a whiplash protection system, side impact protection system, dynamic stability and traction control, inflatable curtain airbags, and roll stability control. A particularly relevant feature of the XC60 within Hong Kong’s congested streets is the City Safety mode which helps to avoid collision by constantly monitoring the traffic ahead and activating the brakes if a car ahead stops suddenly.
Mercedes Benz B Class
For those that have safety as a priority, the Mercedes Benz B Class has been rated extremely highly, coming close to achieving a perfect score of 36.78 (out of 37) by independent crash testing group ANCAP.
Mercedes has a three phase safety system designed to prevent, avoid and minimize damage from an accident. With dual front airbags, front airbags and head protecting side curtains, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control.
One of the more innovative features of the Mercedes B Class is the optional PRE-SAFE system which activates preventative safety systems to reduce the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For example, the system uses electric belt tensioners to secure the driver and passengers to their seats in the early stages of an accident.
BMW 3 Series
With an emphasis on providing a safer driving experience through technological innovation, the BMW 3 Series includes a range of high tech safety features: a heads up display that allows drivers to keep their focus on the road; and a range of radars and cameras to monitor conditions and warn the driver of lane changes and vehicles coming too close.
Further improvements include a front camera on the interior mirror that keeps track of traffic signs; recognizing speed restrictions and overtaking bans. The camera can monitor signs that are both posted at the side of the road and mounted above the carriageway.
Volkswagen Passat
German engineering has once again delivered a car that utilizes cutting edge technology to improve comfort and safety. Front, side and even overhead airbags ensure that the driver and passengers are protected in the event of an accident. Anti-lock braking and stability control are in place, and seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision. Furthermore, a fatigue detection system is standard on all Volkswagen models ensuring that drivers don’t fall asleep at the wheel, a major factor in vehicular accidents.
Toyota RAV4
The ever reliable RAV4 has been redesigned with a new sports style and a range of safety upgrades. Eight airbags are standard, including a new drivers knee airbag, dual front airbags and a stability control unit. Two new safety systems, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, are optional extras that make the 2013 RAV4 a worthy candidate for consideration.
Nissan Murano
Nissan has taken some considerable steps forward in creating a vehicle that aids the driver by judging road conditions, and making proactive safety adjustments - the Murano is designed to prevent a crash rather than simply deploy airbags after one has already occurred. Revolutionary features like “lane departure prevention” use a monitoring device to recognize if a driver is sleepy, and swivels the car back into its lane if it swerves off course. The Nissan Murano hosts a suite of safety features such as brake assist, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Suzuki Swift 1.4
While it is a smaller car than many of the other vehicles on this list, the Suzuki Swift has received a number of accolades including being awarded 63 Car of the Year awards across 19 countries. Its safety credentials belie its size and price tag, with a range of standard features that are often added extras in other models. Featuring dual front, side and curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC), the Suzuki Swift is an affordable option for those that have a focus on safety.
Honda CRZ
Responding to a perceived need in the market for a sporty hybrid, Honda responded with the latest iteration of the CRZ. Like the Swift, the Honda CRZ proves that you don’t need to have a large budget to get the benefits of a safe vehicle. With a five star ANCAP rating, traction control system to maintain grip on slippery surfaces, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution technology and of course six airbags, the Honda CRZ is a worthwhile addition to this list.
