Changed road transport safety rules in EU countries 2022

In 2022, carriers operating in the European Union will have to deal with a number of different road transport rules across the EU and in individual Member States. With the revision of the general safety regulations, the EU requires car and truck manufacturers to equip their vehicles with advanced safety features by 2022 with the aim of protecting passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed measures are expected to help save more than 25,000 lives and prevent at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038.

Mandatory security measures

90% of road accidents are due to human error. The 'Europe on the Move' initiative has been launched by the EU's legislative bodies and institutions to modernize mobility and transport systems with the aim of drastically reducing accidents, emissions, congestion. Advanced safety features in vehicles should reduce the number of accidents, pave the way for connected and automated mobility and strengthen the global innovation and competitiveness of the European car industry.

To help Europe move towards safer traffic, less polluting vehicles and more advanced technological solutions on the roads, certain safety features and technologies will be mandatory in all road vehicles by 2022, including systems that reduce the dangerous blind spots on trucks and buses and technology that warns the driver in case of drowsiness or distraction.

Advanced Safety Features

The new safety features will become mandatory from 2022, with the exception of direct vision for trucks and buses and increased head impact zone on cars and vans, which will follow later. In addition to protecting people on Europe's roads, the new advanced safety features will increase public confidence and acceptance of automated cars and support the transition to autonomous driving.

The new mandatory measures

  • For trucks and buses: specific requirements to improve direct vision for bus and truck drivers and remove blind spots, and systems on the front and side of the vehicle to detect and warn vulnerable road users, especially when cornering.
     
  • For cars, vans, trucks and buses: warning of drowsiness and distraction of the driver (e.g. smartphone use while driving,) intelligent speed assistance, reversing protection with camera or sensors and data recorder in the event of an accident ('black box').
     
  • For cars and vans: lane assist, advanced emergency braking system and improved crash test seat belts.

Measure tire pressure remotely

In 2022, EU regulations will also come into force requiring additional equipment in trucks. From July 6, tire temperature and pressure sensors will be mandatory for newly approved trucks and trailers. From 2024, the obligation will apply to all newly produced trucks. The European Commission hopes this will improve road safety, reduce tire wear and reduce costs for carriers.

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