THE Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT) is urging motorists to spend a few minutes learning about their car’s safety systems by reading the owner’s manual.

While statistics continue to show a decline in deaths on UK roads, SMMT believes more accidents could be prevented if all owners were fully familiar with the safety features installed in their cars.

Chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “Every death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy and of course manufacturers have a central role to play in improving the safety of products. But equally, owners need to understand how the advanced safety systems of modern vehicles work in order to get maximum benefit and to minimise any risk of their misuse.

“The owner’s manual should not be something that sits in the glove box from purchase to sale. Our message is simple - get it out and have a good read.”

From July 1, 2004 all new production cars must be fitted with ABS as standard. Understanding how Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) work could mean more drivers’ lives are saved by this safety feature.

Mr Macgowan said: “The fact is most drivers never experience ABS except in a real emergency. A pulsing pedal and unfamiliar noise could tempt some to release pressure on the brakes. A quick glance in the handbook, however, explains exactly how ABS works and reminds drivers to keep the pressure on while steering safely round a hazard.”

Airbags are helping limit the effects of an impact on occupants. However, owner’s handbooks warn against placing objects on or adjacent to these systems as these can become dangerous projectiles in an accident.

According to Thatcham research, more than 200,000 people suffer whiplash each year. Most could be prevented if drivers and passengers took a few seconds to make a minor adjustment to head restraints.