Every time we set out on a journey we expect that we will reach our destination safely. However, around 1,700 people die on Great Britain’s roads each year, and that number has hardly changed for the last ten years.
Vehicle safety measures are one of the most successful ways to reduce road casualties, and Britain has been at the leading edge for many years. A new, game-changing package of technology and regulation is now available. Experts calculate that it has the potential to surpass even the casualty savings achieved by seat belts. The catch is the UK government has not yet committed to implementing this package in Great Britain, despite much of the research and impetus underlying it having originated here before adoption in Brussels.
‘Vaccines’ for vehicles
From 6 July 2022 all new models of vehicle (cars, vans, buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles) to be sold in the European Union and Northern Ireland will need to include all 15 measures to improve the safety of vehicle occupants and other road users. Together these measures are commonly referred as The General Safety Regulation (GSR) and they include:
Improved frontal impact occupant protection;
Pedestrian and cyclist detection and warning systems; and,
Intelligent speed assistance (ISA).
A gender imbalance
Frontal impact protection is important because women are currently almost 50 per cent more likely to be seriously injured than men if involved in a collision while riding in a vehicle. The GSR will address this with reconfigured airbags and seatbelts to ensure they protect the two sexes equally.
Protecting the most vulnerable
People walking, wheeling and cycling are valuable road users. Their journeys emit zero carbon emissions, they take up minimal road space and they reap the personal health benefits. Yet, in spaces shared with large motorised vehicles they are vulnerable. Sadly, in Great Britain 26% of collisions involve pedestrians, higher than the EU’s rate of 21%.
Pedestrian and cyclist detection and warning systems make drivers more aware of others around them so preventative measures can be taken to avoid a collision.
Life saver not party pooper
Some have thrown up their hands in horror at what they see as a loss of their freedom should intelligent speed assist (ISA) be installed in their vehicle. In fact, many UK manufacturers already provide an option very similar to that required by the EU. This is because ISA brings not only safety but also financial benefits to drivers, passengers and other road users.
Speed is the single biggest contributing factor in road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries. ISA limits a vehicles speed to that displayed on road signs. At lower speeds drivers benefit from increased fuel or battery efficiency and lower vehicle operating costs. In addition, drivers are also at less risk of having to pay out for speeding penalties.
If a driver wishes, the speed assist can be overridden by pressing on the accelerator.
Take action
Former transport ministers have written to UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, calling on him to swiftly adopt the new vehicle safety measures. This includes Sir Peter Bottomley, officer of the APPG for Women in Transport. However, the Government have yet to make a commitment to adopting the changes despite them coming at almost no cost to the government or motorist. We must not miss out on this opportunity to save lives.
Author:
Margaret Winchomb, CEng, MICE, MCIHT
Senior Research and Policy Officer
Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS)
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