European engineers are testing a car which can strengthen its frame before a side-on collision, which if put into production could reduce the chance of serious injury and result in fewer insurance claims.

The system uses radar and cameras to anticipate an impact a split-second before it happens, the New Scientist Tech reports.

When the technology is activated, a metal bar slides into place to make the frame of the car stronger and the crash energy is diverted to the side of the car that has not been struck.

Roger Hardy, from Cranfield Impact Centre, told the website that engineers are now faced with the challenge of how best to use those few milliseconds before impact occurs.

"For example, if you could determine the approach speed of an object you could choose different sequences of airbag timing or pretension the seatbelts. [But] it comes down to manufacturers deciding if the extra weight and cost…is worth it," he said.

Should the car be able to avoid or prepare for crashes it could lead to fewer claims and, as a result, cheaper insurance quotes.

Vehicle manufacturer Volvo is aiming to launch a crash-proof car by 2020.

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