The DGT approves the EU proposal to make ADAS systems mandatory

The DGT supports the European Commission’s proposal to make ADAS systems mandatory starting next year.

At the 4th Road Technology and Safety Conference, representatives of the traffic authorities of Catalonia, the Basque Country and the DGT gathered to discuss road safety. One of the central topics was the importance of ADAS systems.

Undoubtedly, strong support for these systems: “They should be mandatory; they will help us reduce accident rates. I believe in technology” said Gendrau, Director of Traffic in Catalonia.

Importance of ADAS systems

First of all, the concept of ADAS systems is quite simple. These advanced driver assistance systems make driving easier for the user, never replacing them, making every journey safer for everyone.

One of the major problems with these systems is the lack of knowledge or misuse by drivers. For this reason, it is necessary to have a certain understanding of how they work or to follow a series of tips on how to use ADAS systems correctly.

According to a DGT study, “Influence of driver assistance systems on road safety”, more than 90,000 accidents occur in Spain, with more than 1,600 deaths and 9,500 seriously injured.

The main causes can be very diverse, but the most common are the human factor and distractions, for example, using a mobile phone. ADAS systems can reduce these figures by mitigating or avoiding such accidents.

If all cars were fitted with these driving aids, the consequences of 57% of accidents would be reduced, a total of 51,000. In addition, the direct cost of accidents for Spain amounts to, according to DGT data, a total of €9.6 billion per year, more than 1% of national GDP.

4th Road Technology and Safety Conference

Up to this 4th Conference, representatives of national and international authorities attended, such as Robert Nowak (Head of Economic Affairs of the UN Transport Division) and Jean Todt (President of the FIA and UN Special Envoy for Road Safety).

Representatives of the DGT also attended the event, such as Álvaro Gómez, Director of the National Road Safety Observatory, who stated that “the DGT supports the European Commission’s proposal to make autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed control and black boxes mandatory next year. Technology will be key to achieving Vision Zero.