Starting July 6, 2024, all new cars and trucks sold in the European Union and Northern Ireland will be mandated to have safety technology that alerts drivers if they are speeding. This technology, known as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), can beep, vibrate, or even slow down the vehicle to prevent car crashes. While the United Kingdom has decided not to require the use of ISA on its roads, the safety feature will still be installed on vehicles, and drivers will have the option to activate it each day. ISA technology uses a camera to read speed limit signs and GPS mapping data to determine the speed limit in the area where the vehicle is traveling. If the driver exceeds the speed limit, ISA will alert them through beeps or vibrations, and if the driver does not slow down, the technology will take over and reduce the speed of the vehicle to comply with the posted speed limit.
Ford and other manufacturers have been offering ISA as an option since 2015, and since 2022, all new cars in Europe have been required to have ISA installed. The European Transport Safety Council estimates that ISA technology can reduce collisions by 30% and deaths by 20%. In addition to improving road safety, ISA can also help drivers avoid speeding tickets. A study by Leeds University found that the UK could see a 12% decline in injuries caused by vehicle crashes with ISA in place. The European Union began requiring vehicles to have ISA technology in 2018, aiming to address the high number of annual road fatalities that reached 25,000. The EU saw it as necessary to take action to reduce the number of deaths and improve road safety for all citizens.
In a separate development, the European Union has initiated an investigation to determine if China is denying access to the medical device market. The outcome of this investigation could have implications for the availability of medical devices in the EU and may impact the healthcare sector. In a related matter, EU Commission President has urged unity as Finland closes its borders with Russia due to a surge in migration. The decision to close borders highlights the need for coordination and cooperation among EU member states to address common challenges and ensure the security and well-being of all citizens.
In conclusion, the implementation of ISA technology in new vehicles in the EU and Northern Ireland represents a significant step towards improving road safety and reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by vehicle crashes. While the UK has chosen not to mandate the use of ISA, the safety feature will still be available as an option for drivers. The potential impact of ISA on reducing collisions, deaths, and injuries underscores the importance of such technological advancements in enhancing road safety. As the EU takes measures to address road safety issues and investigate potential trade barriers in the medical device market, cooperation and unity among member states remain essential to effectively respond to common challenges and ensure the well-being of all citizens.
