EU mulls compulsory safety-technology for cars

"Technology can save lives, improve road transport and protect the environment. The EU must…continue to put pressure on stakeholders to ensure Europeans benefit from these winning technologies sooner rather than later," said Information Society Commissioner Viviane Reding, adding: "If fast progress cannot be made voluntarily, I stand ready to intervene." 

ERTICO–ITS Europe, which represents more than 100 key stakeholders in the development and deployment of intelligent transport systems and services - including car manufacturers, electronics suppliers, map makers, telecom operators, highway operators and European public authorities - stresses the importance of combining vehicle and infrastructure technology with information and communication technology in order to achieve Europe’s safety and climate change targets. 

"Studies show that at least 93% of accidents are caused by human error, so the case for increased driver assistance is clear…By decreasing the driver's workload, detecting dangers and providing the necessary support in hazardous situations, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could save a considerable number of lives every year… These applications are designed to protect not only vehicle occupants, but also other potentially vulnerable traffic participants, such as pedestrians and cyclists. So the potential is enormous," ERTICO–ITS Europe Director for Development & Deployment Michael Nielsen told EurActiv in an interview. 

He stressed the need to raise awareness among car drivers and to create a mass market for the technologies, notably through incentives, with a view to bringing prices down. 

"Today the EC and member states have mostly used the voluntary principle for the take-up. But member states could be more important players, for example, by providing incentives for end users to buy these systems. Also insurance companies could play a role here to ensure a faster uptake," he said.

European carmaker association ACEA believes that the lack of awareness of the benefits of safety technologies is the main obstacle for a wider implementation rate in Europe. ACEA Secretary General Ivan Hodac explained: "European manufacturers increasingly equip their vehicles with safety features, both standard or as an option. Unfortunately, the take-up rate is still disappointing. In many cases, customers prefer comfort or entertainment features instead."

Jörg Beckmann, executive director for the European Transport Safety Council, a road safety NGO, stressed: "We observe that existing technologies and policies with the largest life-saving potential are not always given the top priority by policymakers. In order to maximise the safety benefits gained from new vehicle technology, the focus needs to be both on innovation and implementation. Seat belt reminders, alcohol interlocks and intelligent speed assistance (ISA) offer the greatest safety potential. But these technologies need efforts from policymakers to ensure their rapid application… Member states and the European Commission should take their responsibilities."