New research has found that less one per cent of fatal road traffic accidents are caused by technical defects.
According to a study carried out by German research institute FKA, more than 99% of fatal accidents are caused by human behaviour or external factors.
It says the analysis underscores the lengths vehicle manufacturers are going in order to improve the safety of their vehicles while introducing new features in a safe and considered manner.
The new findings come as the European Commission considers amending the Roadworthiness Package with the introduction of further Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) requirements.
It believes this would increase the burden on vehicle manufacturers during an already challenging time, without having a positive impact on road safety.
Instead, it argues that any new vehicle testing requirements should be handled under type approval legislation, pointing out that vehicle manufacturers already provide extensive data for PTI requirements under EU legislation.
To improve road safety, it says this data should be better analysed to identify the causes of accidents.
