Mandatory drivers assistance systems expected to help save over 25,000 lives by 2038

New rules on general vehicle safety now apply to all new motor vehicles sold in the EU as of 7 July 2024. The rules, which already apply to new vehicle types since July 2022, improve road safety by introducing a range of advanced driver assistant systems for all new vehicles.  

Since 2022, when the General Safety Regulation started applying to new vehicle types, the new safety measures are helping to better protect passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists across the EU. They are expected to help save over 25,000 lives and avoid at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038. 

Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said:

“The EU is a world leader in general safety rules for vehicles. We ensure that innovative technology solutions can be used to improve safety on our roads. With the general safety rules now applying to all new motor vehicles, we will better protect passengers, pedestrians and cyclists across Europe, while keeping EU industry’s leadership in driver assistant systems ”  

All new motor vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and buses now need to integrate intelligent speed assistance solutions, cameras, or sensors for reversing detection, attention warnings in case of driver drowsiness, as well as emergency stop signals. In addition, cars and vans should now be equipped with lane keeping and automated braking systems and event data recorders. To prevent bus or truck collisions with pedestrians or cyclists, these vehicles now require technologies for better recognising possible blind spots and integrate warning systems, as well as have specific tyre pressure monitoring systems. 

See the new General Safety Regulation factsheet.