Developments in the safety of our roads has taken a huge leap forward with a landmark EU proposal to mandate the fitting of lifesaving technologies, including Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) and Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), in all new cars.
A survey of more than 2000 drivers by Brake and Direct Line has found overwhelming support for the move, with 9 in 10 drivers agreeing that all new cars should be fitted with the latest lifesaving safety features as standard.
The proposal is part of the European Commission’s (EC) Third Mobility Package. A set of measures with the objective of allowing all drivers to benefit from safer traffic, less polluting vehicles and more advanced technological solutions.
The case to mandate these lifesaving technologies, rather than rely upon their purchase as optional extras, is highlighted by the current lack of awareness of AEB and ISA, and their limited fitting in cars.
58% of drivers said they didn’t know what AEB was. When the technology was explained, only 15% thought their car was fitted with AEB, with 12% unsure.
67% of drivers said they didn’t know what ISA was. When the technology was explained, only 15% thought their car was fitted with ISA, with 7% unsure.
This contradiction between drivers’ desire for safety features and their reluctance to purchase them as optional extras was further highlighted in the survey, bolstering the Commission’s case that mandating these technologies is the only effective way to get them on our roads and saving lives.
9 in 10 drivers agree that all new cars should be fitted with the latest lifesaving safety features as standard. However, the majority of drivers said if they were buying a new car, they would not spend more to ensure it had AEB or ISA technology.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at road safety charity Brake, said:
“These technologies are proven to save lives, so this announcement should be warmly welcomed by all who are truly committed to improving road safety. Drivers want their vehicles to be safe, but the reality is they rarely opt to spend more on safety features as optional extras. This decision puts the onus for safety back on the car manufacturers and in one swoop, will dramatically improve the safety of our roads forever.”
