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On 17 October 2018 FIA Region I organised an event jointly with ACEA at the European Parliament, kindly hosted by MEP Dr Dieter-Lebrecht Koch.
The event’s discussions were instigated by the question: “Is Europe on the right road in reforming vehicle safety rules?” and offered a timely opportunity for decision-makers and a range of stakeholders to share their opinions on the European Commission’s proposal to reform the existing regulation concerning vehicle safety technologies.
Among the speakers were Dr Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (MEP, Vice-Chair TRAN Committee), Elżbieta Bieńkowska (Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs), Rudolf Kashnitz (Transport attaché, Austrian Permanent Representation), Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein (MEP, IMCO Committee).
FIA Region I Director General Laurianne Krid also made an intervention stressing the importance of ensuring that drivers are fully aware of the features of new technologies. “We think the Commission has come forward with an encouraging proposal by including several life-saving technologies as mandatory in cars. However, we must also ensure that these new technologies have a proven track record of effectiveness and that drivers are adequately trained on how to use them to avoid unintended consequences”.
Before the event, FIA Region I presented successfully its Road Safety campaign, Slowing Down Saves Lives to the event participants, who were invited to support the campaign by taking a picture at the photo booth. The campaign has been launched during the EU mobility Week and on the European Day Without A Road Death and aims to urge drivers to respect speed limits.
Notes to Editors
Background
On 17 May 2018 the European Commission released its proposal for the revision of the General Safety Regulation, as part of the Third Mobility Package. This revision aims to make sure all new vehicles are equipped with mandatory safety features, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) detection and lane-keeping assistance. The proposal is currently being examined by the European Parliament and the Council. FIA Region I outlined its position in a detailed policy paper in June 2018.
About FIA Region I
The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 107 Mobility Clubs and their 38 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists. The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind, the FIA Region I work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring. www.fiaregion1.com
