One of the most striking systems is the ISA system, or the Intelligent Speed Assistant.
From July 7, all new cars in Europe must be equipped with a series of safety systems that fall under the heading Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This decision by the European Union stems from the need to further reduce the number of road deaths. The obligation applies not only to passenger cars, but also to vans, trucks and buses.
One of the most talked about systems that is now becoming mandatory is the Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA). This system helps the driver to comply with the permitted speed limit through audible signals and visual warnings on the dashboard. Although the ISA can be switched off, the system is automatically reactivated when the car is started. This has led to mixed reactions among motorists; some find it a valuable addition, while others find the constant warnings annoying. In response, many car manufacturers have built in a hotkey to deactivate the system at the touch of a button.
Another mandatory system is the Event Data Recorder (EDR), comparable to the black box in airplanes. This data recorder stores information from a few seconds before and after an accident, such as the speed of the vehicle and the steering position. This should help analyze accidents and improve road safety. Despite EU assurances that this data should only be accessed by national governments and car manufacturers and not by insurers, concerns remain about driver privacy.
In addition to ISA and EDR, there are also others systems which are now mandatory. For example, all new cars must be equipped with improved seat belts, a reversing camera, an emergency braking system, parking sensors, lane keeping assistance and warning systems for fatigue and smartphone use. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of accidents and make the consequences of accidents less serious.
A notable addition is the safety glass in the windscreen, designed to better protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision. The possibility of an alcohol interlock is also taken into account, which can prevent a driver who is under the influence from starting the car.
It is clear that with these measures the European Union is taking a major step towards a safer traffic environment. The mandatory ADAS systems have been in development for some time and are now becoming standard in all newly sold vehicles. This means that car manufacturers sometimes have to do a lot of tinkering to incorporate these technologies into their models.
The effectiveness of these systems has already been demonstrated in various studies. For example, data from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) shows that the application of ADAS can lead to a significant decrease in the number of road fatalities and serious injuries. Systems such as automatic emergency braking systems and lane keeping assistance, for example, have been in use for a long time and have more than proven their usefulness.
However, there remain critical voices, especially about the impact on the driving experience and the privacy of drivers. The discussion about the balance between security and privacy will probably continue for a while. However, with the ADAS requirement, the EU hopes to significantly improve road safety and ultimately reduce the number of road fatalities and serious accidents.
