Ireland and the EU are committed to achieving zero road deaths by 2050. Since 2009, two General Safety Regulations have introduced advanced safety technologies in vehicles to reduce road fatalities. The latest regulation, effective from 2022, mandates features like Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for all vehicles.
New technologies, set to be required in all new vehicles from July 2024, include Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) systems, and Emergency Stop Signals (ESS). Additional features like Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) will be mandatory for trucks and buses.
The European Commission’s report, “Saving Lives: Boosting Car Safety in the EU,” outlines 19 potential regulatory measures aimed at saving over 25,000 lives and preventing 140,000 serious injuries by 2038. These efforts support Vision Zero, the long-term goal of eliminating road fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
Through collaboration between policymakers, manufacturers, and stakeholders, the EU aims to ensure safer roads for all.4o