The European-market will get the revised General Safety Regulations enforced, which will see new vehicles getting mandatory safety equipment from 2022. Although Britain may no longer be part of the EU when the rules come into effect, the UK regulator and its Vehicle Certification Agency, has said it will mirror safety standards for vehicles in the UK too.
Related: Do Airbags Guarantee Your Safety?
All new cars sold in Europe are to be fitted with driver drowsiness and distraction warnings, speed limiters/ intelligent speed assistance (ISA), reversing safety with camera or sensors and black boxes (data recorders in the event of an accident).
The proposed measures are expected to help save 25,000 lives and avoid at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038, adding that the move is aimed at moving towards its goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
Related: Fiat to Quit India Amid Stringent Safety and Emission Norms
The agreed legislation will likely receive final approval from the European Parliament and national governments next month. On top of requiring ISA to be installed in all new European vehicles from 2022, the legislation will also force ‘pre-existing models’ to comply by 2024, though the extent of the backdating to cover older vehicles was not specified.
Volvo is already leading the charge, promising to limit the top speed of all its cars to 180 km/h by 2020. It also plans to install cameras in its cars from the early 2020s to combat drunk and distracted driving.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
