APD | EU to apply more advanced transportation safety standards by 2022

By APD writer Adtiya Nugraha

European Union (EU) Council has adopted a regulation on the general safety of motor vehicles, obliging cars sold in EU markets by mid-2022 be equipped with advanced safety systems.

Speaking on behalf of EU presidency, Finland Employment Minister Timo Harakka said that the new regulations would significantly reduce the number of fatalities and severe injuries on EU roads.

"They would also enhance the European car manufacturers' competitiveness in the global market," he added.

Under the new rules, all motor vehicles (including trucks, buses, vans and sport utility vehicles) will have to be equipped with advanced features, among others intelligent speed assistance, alcohol interlock installation facilitation, advanced driver distraction warning systems and advanced driver distraction warning systems.

In addition to the general requirements and existing systems (such as lane departure warning and advanced emergency braking), trucks and buses will have to be designed and manufactured in such a way that the blind spots around the vehicle are significantly reduced.

They will also have to be equipped with advanced systems capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists located in close proximity to the vehicle.

The regulation enables the Commission to enact specific rules for the safety of hydrogen-powered vehicles and of automated vehicles, updating the new specifications to take account of future technical developments.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)