Autonomous emergency braking, warning of driver loss of attention or drowsiness, active lane keeping assistance, or even a data recorder are among the new safety features mandated by a new European regulation for cars sold from this Sunday. The European GSR2 regulation, or General Safety Regulation number 2, introduced on July 7, 2022, for newly approved vehicles, is now mandatory for all new vehicles sold in Europe. This regulation aims to bolster vehicle safety by utilizing sensors, cameras, and sound warning devices to combat driver distraction and speed-related issues.
The new regulation mandates that new cars come equipped with eight specific features: an autonomous emergency braking device, obstacle detection when reversing, an alert for driver's loss of attention or drowsiness, active lane keeping assistance, an overspeed alert with sign reading, a tire pressure monitoring system, a data logger, and pre-equipment to install an immobilizer breathalyzer. The primary goal is to save 25,000 lives on European roads by 2038 and achieve zero road deaths by 2050. In 2022 alone, 20,640 people died on European roads, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
While the introduction of these safety features is commendable, it does come with potential costs. Manufacturers have had to revamp the electronic and structural architecture of their vehicles, leading some to remove certain end-of-life models from their catalog. The cost of the new safety equipment, approximately 300 euros, may be passed on to consumers, particularly affecting entry-level models where price sensitivity is a significant factor.
For drivers, these new aids can be a double-edged sword. While they significantly enhance safety, they can also be intrusive or even destabilizing. For instance, active lane keeping assistance can be surprising if one is not accustomed to the steering wheel hardening and the car automatically returning to its lane. Moreover, these sensors can malfunction, causing false alerts. The regulation allows for the deactivation of some aids, either through programming the on-board computer or by unchecking alerts after each startup.
One controversial feature is the data logger or 'black box,' officially known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR). Initially, there were concerns that this device could be used by authorities to monitor speed and driving style. However, the EDR will only be used for accident analysis, recording data such as deceleration and speed at the time of impact. Personal data, positioning information, and the vehicle's driving history are not recorded. The data belongs to the driver or car owner and can only be accessed by a judge or public prosecutor's order. The black box cannot be switched off.
Additional mandatory features include a tiredness and attention warning system, a speed assistant, and an emergency lane departure warning system. These systems use digital maps, cameras, and sensors to monitor the driver's condition, detect applicable speed limits, and prevent accidental lane departures. An emergency braking assistant and a reversing assistant are also required, further enhancing vehicle safety by monitoring speed and distance to the vehicle in front and detecting obstacles or pedestrians when reversing.
From July 7, 2024, new cars will also need to have an interface for breathalyzers, although the technology itself is not yet mandatory. This feature aims to prevent drunk driving by making it impossible to start the car under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, an emergency brake light will be required to provide better warnings to following traffic during hard braking.
