On Thursday 12 October, MEPs at the transport committee largely approved (43 votes in favour, 1 vote against, with 1 abstention) the own-initiative report by Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (EPP, Germany) entitled, “Saving Lives: Enhancing Vehicle Safety in the Union”.
This own initiative report was welcomed by transport committee MEPs on 10 July last (see EUROPE 11826) and aims to reduce the number of road accidents, which kill an average of 25,000 people a year on European Union territory.
Flagship measures advocated by this own-initiative report involve assisted driving systems. Almost 95% of accidents are caused by human error and failings. The text therefore also suggests making it is compulsory to include on board systems for intelligent speed assist devices, lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking assistance that detect cyclists and pedestrians. MEPs also agreed on the proposal to provide financial incentives to consumers to purchase this kind of vehicle.
The report also suggests harmonising authorised permitted alcohol rates for driving, given that drinking and driving is responsible for almost 25% of fatal accidents in the European union every year. MEPs therefore supported the idea of a 0.0% authorised blood alcohol rate for young drivers (less than two years after obtaining driving licences) and equipping vehicles with alcohol ignition interlock devices for professional drivers and repeat offenders.
Dieter-Lebrecht Koch explained that the proposals stemming from the own-initiative report would not impact on “European citizens’ wallets” given that only systems that “bring a significant contribution to road safety and have reached market maturity” will be compulsory. The Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Antonio Avenoso, said that he was satisfied with the vote for this kind of report and that, “making the proposed technologies compulsory could have as great an impact on safety as safety belts”. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)