According to EU statistics, 95 percent of traffic accidents on European roads are due to human error. To counteract this, there is now a new EU regulation that will come into force on July 7, 2024 and will require various driver assistance programs for new cars. According to the EU Commission, this could save around 25,000 lives and prevent at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038. We will explain exactly which systems these are.
Active and emergency lane keeping assistant
The system is part of semi-autonomous driving in the broader sense and has been found for some time now, especially in mid-range and luxury models. From July, every new car will be equipped with it and will stay in lane at speeds of 60 km/h or more. In the event of an emergency, the system also ensures that you do not drive into oncoming traffic or otherwise leave the road.
Black box
The black box has been standard in modern aircraft for many years and has become indispensable, particularly in the investigation and reconstruction of accidents. Now a type of anonymous data storage device is also being used in car models. The data is intended to provide information about the accident and enable the safety systems to learn.
Speed assistant
The system automatically detects a speed limit and warns with visual and acoustic signals if it is exceeded. This function can only be switched off temporarily while driving. The assistant is active again every time the vehicle is restarted.
Head impact protection
This measure is primarily intended to protect pedestrians and cyclists. This changes the crash test requirements for the front of the vehicle and the windshield. For Alfa Romeo, for example, this means moving the traditional side license plate towards the middle of the vehicle.
Fatigue and attention warning
The scanner uses AI to analyze the driver’s attention. It also recognizes speed and steering patterns that are due to reduced concentration. The system then sends a warning to the driver to take a break.
Emergency brake assistant and emergency brake light
As the name suggests, the assistant recognizes dangerous situations and initiates braking independently. In addition, there is a pulsating emergency brake light that warns vehicles oncoming. As soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill, the hazard warning lights switch on automatically.
Reversing assistant
Parking assistants have been around for over 20 years. Now the system is mandatory and must be installed in even the cheapest vehicle classes in order to detect obstacles and, above all, pedestrians and other road users when reversing.
Tire pressure monitoring
This system has also been installed in many cars for years. In 2024, it will become mandatory for every vehicle.
Alcohol interlock system
The regulation does not yet say exactly what this system will look like. A standardized interface is required without any further details or explanations. However, blowing into the tubes is not included for the time being.