Steps forward by the European Union regarding road safety systems: the European Commission, in fact, to make cars safer, has proposed a series of devices to be made compulsory from 2021. Analysts have hypothesised that this could save the lives of 10,500 people and prevent around 60,000 feiritis per year.
New safety systems: safer cars from 2021
Automatic emergency braking
Based on a system of radar, sensors and image-recognition cameras, the device, already found on many of the latest models on the market, can identify obstacles and brake automatically if the driver is distracted.
Driver fatigue and alertness detector
This device is also part of the equipment of some of the latest models. The system monitors certain driver actions such as steering wheel movements and repeated wheel contact with the continuous line of the roadway. If it detects driver fatigue or lack of attention, the system emits a visual and acoustic signal that remains active until the car stops.
Breathalyser
A breathalyser installed inside the vehicle. In this way the driver is always aware of his sobriety status. The system could also intervene by preventing the car engine from starting in the event of a high blood alcohol level being detected.
Black box
Among safety systems, the black box could not be missing. The European Commission's proposal is to make its installation compulsory, in order to record various situations on the road, such as speed, seat belt use, etc. This makes it possible to draw up a profile of the car, the driver and the circumstances that can lead to an accident. In this way it is also possible to draw up a profile of the car, the driver and the circumstances that can lead to an accident.
Emergency brake warning
The activation of emergency lights signals sudden braking. This is certainly the easiest safety system to introduce.
Protection systems for passengers, pedestrians and cyclists
Among the European Commission's proposals is the standardisation of protection systems for passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. At the same time, improvements will be made to the braking systems and seat belts, and safe braces will be introduced to prevent greater damage in the event of an accident.
Intelligent cruise control with sign recognition
A cruise control capable of automatically adjusting travel speed according to that of the previous car and the limits imposed by road signs.
Lane maintenance
This safety system is also present on some of the latest models. The driver is warned if he changes lanes without activating the direction indicators, with the system automatically correcting the car's trajectory.
Parking cameras
Telecamets and sensor systems can help not only in parking but also in avoiding pedestrian accidents.
