To simplify the administrative procedures for the approval of vehicles that integrate these safety technologies, the European Commission introduced a new regulation on June 20, 2024: (EU) 2024/1721. This regulation establishes standardized templates for the information documents and approval certificates required for vehicles or separate technical units equipped with these safety features. As of July 2024, the following features must be standard on every new vehicle:
Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA): This device allows vehicles to automatically reduce speed, falling under the category of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These electronic systems assist the driver in various situations, ranging from daily driving to emergency or hazardous conditions. The ISA system works through a combination of sensors and a camera mounted at the front of the vehicle, connected to a GPS signal. The camera detects road signs, and the GPS adjusts speed limits. Once activated, the system intervenes by reducing engine power and cutting off acceleration.
DDAW: Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning: Using specialized sensors, the DDAW system continuously monitors the driver’s performance and the vehicle’s behavior, detecting signs of drowsiness or fatigue, such as lane deviations or sudden steering movements. Some DDAW systems also detect the driver’s grip on the steering wheel and facial or eye movements. If the system detects signs of fatigue or distraction, it issues an audible and/or visual alert, suggesting that the driver take a break. DDAW systems are particularly effective outside urban areas, where reduced attention due to fatigue is more likely to occur during prolonged driving at a constant speed.
ESS: Emergency Stop Signal: In the event of sudden, sharp braking, the brake lights flash to alert the driver behind of the sudden stop.
REV: Reversing Detection: Using sensors or cameras, this system alerts the driver to the presence of obstacles (people, animals, objects, etc.) while reversing.
EDR: Event Data Recorder: In the event of a collision, this device records data from before, during, and immediately after the crash, helping to identify the vehicle’s type and version, as well as the active safety and crash prevention systems it is equipped with. In addition to logging dynamic information such as speed, braking, and vehicle movements immediately before and after the accident, the EDR also records the status and activation sequence of various safety systems, including seat belts, brakes, the eCall system, and ADAS.
AEBS: Advanced Emergency Braking System: Automatically detects a potential frontal collision and activates the braking system to decelerate the vehicle and avoid impact.
ELKA: Emergency Lane Keeping Assist: Helps the driver keep the vehicle in a safe position relative to the edges of the lane or road, intervening in the event of lane departure or imminent collision risk. For cars and goods vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, this ADAS range also includes advanced emergency braking systems and lane-keeping assistance in emergency situations. For buses and trucks, the systems are complemented by lane departure warnings, advanced emergency braking systems, and advanced technologies capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists near the front of the vehicle or on the curbside, alerting the driver or intervening to prevent a collision.
