Seat Belts Top Motoring Safety Poll

The much maligned speed camera was voted the 10th.

One of the first acronyms to appear on our cars, ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, came second in Avon’s survey to find the safety innovation that has had the most impact. Airbags, Cats Eyes (fog lamps) and Crumple Zones rounded off the top five. Despite much criticism and an explosion in their usage (there are now roughly 6,000) speed cameras were named as the most important innovation by 2% of motorists. Avon Tyres surveyed more than 1,100 motorists.

Malcolm Jones, product planning manager for the Avon Tyres brand commented: “The average car may be significantly faster since seatbelts became compulsory, but manufacturers are forever pushing the boundaries to deliver safer cars. In 10 years time, we’ll all be talking about pop-up bonnets, artificial intelligent braking systems and cars that can see around corners.”

Top Ten Safety Innovations

Pos. Innovation Polled vote
1     Seat Belts                            27%
2     ABS                               21%
3     Airbags                        16%
4     Cats Eyes                         10%
5     Crumple Zones                    7%
6     3-point centre seatbelt (rear) 6%
7     Traction control                     3%
8   Side Impact Protection            2%
9     Emergency Braking System     2%
10 Speed Cameras                    2%

Source: Avon Tyres

The Ohio Tire and Automotive Association (OTAA) held its annual golf outing this year at The Country Club at Muirfield Village, close to the renowned Muirfield Village Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament.

OTAA leadership welcomed around 116 OTAA members and thanked sponsors before teeing off and, following golf, attendees gathered for dinner, drinks and donations. OTAA leadership, including new President Jon Boyd, tire business manager, from Boyd’s Tire and Service, presented a $3,000 donation to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). OTAA also presented the William Floyd Distinguished Service Award to Tom White, owner of the six-store Tire Source chain based in Canton. White received the honor in recognition of his long-term dedication and contributions to the OTAA board and the broader Ohio tire industry.