2013 Nissan Altima: First Drive

EU wants brake-assist to be standard by 2009

 
3 1,184 views Oct 8, 2007

EU wants brake-assist to be standard by 2009

EU wants brake-assist to be standard by 2009

Enlarge Photo
Not content with mandating carmakers to curb emissions the EU has now focused its attention on ensuring all new cars be equipped with brake-assist systems. Officials proposed today that such systems be made standard by 2009 to help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and are predicting that up to 1,100 lives could be saved each year because of it.

The system works by automatically applying pressure to the brakes if vehicle on-board sensors detect the vehicle is in an emergency situation and the driver has failed to provide sufficient brake power, reports the Associated Press. The most common design detects how quickly the driver lifts their foot of the accelerator pedal to determine whether the car is in a critical situation.

Carmakers are said to be backing the proposal despite the costs involved. EU officials declined to estimate these costs but claimed it is "not overly expensive."

One issue a representative for the auto industry rose, and something we strongly agree on, is that there should also be better enforcement of road safety laws as well as improvements to road conditions.



Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (3)

  1. By HECTOR Posted: 10/8/2007 6:16pm PDT

    Well, this is, at least theoretically, an addition to car safety. What is the EU thinking in mandating DRLs on cars?
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By Gus Posted: 10/8/2007 7:36pm PDT

    You really hate those lights, don't you? :)

    I do too, or at least I'd want the option of shutting them off.

    This does look like promising technology, though.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By NaBUru38 Posted: 10/10/2007 3:06pm PDT

    If politicians force carmakers to put brake assist devices, they should do the same with stability control. They shouldn't have a switched-off mode, but a "soft" mode (marketers would use "sport mode").

    I don't understand the hatred towards day-running lights. I know US-spec cars have them amber, but I think white headlights and red taillights should be definitely mandatory.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.