In the middle of 2022, new EU regulations came into effect in a bid to improve road safety. The European Council has introduced these new regulations following an agreement with the European Parliament a few years prior with the changes designed to reduce the number of severe injuries and fatalities on EU roads. This means that all car manufacturers are now having to make automobiles that abide by these regulations to improve safety, but there are both benefits and drawbacks to these changes.
Examples of Changes
So, what are some of the new regulations that have been introduced? The most notable is the introduction of a mandatory speed limiter. This clever technology can limit engine power so that the speed limit cannot be exceeded and uses a combination of speed-recognition cameras, sat-nav and specialist software to know the speed limit at all times. It is thought that speed limiters could reduce road collisions by as much as 30% and fatalities by 20%.
Other new regulations include alcohol interlock installation facilitation, drowsy driver detection and advanced driver distraction warning systems. New vehicles will also have to include enlarged head impact protection zones, which will help to reduce the severity of injuries in collisions involving pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.
Pros & Cons
Obviously, these new safety regulations are welcome because they should reduce the number of collisions, injuries and fatalities on the roads. The EU has a 2050 target of 0 road deaths and these new regulations will be a key step in achieving this. Roads are dangerous places for all and many accidents are a result of human error, so it is hoped that these new regulations will make a positive difference and help motorists to feel more confident behind the wheel.
In terms of drawbacks, you will find that all of this new technology that manufacturers have to implement will come at a cost and this will be passed on to motorists. New cars will become even more expensive as a result, which could make it hard for many to afford a new car. Due to these vehicles being more expensive, it is a good idea to take out gap insurance. What is gap insurance? This is an optional form of insurance that will bridge the gap between an insurance pay-out and the amount originally paid after a write-off.
Regulations Beyond 2030
There will also be many more regulations to come into effect in the near future to make roads safer as well as to reduce environmental impact. The most notable is the restriction of selling petrol and diesel vehicles with the UK implementing a 2030 ban and a 2035 ban in the EU.
Motorists should be aware of these new safety regulations that have come into effect that will hopefully help to reduce accidents and fatalities as well as increase drive confidence.
