The EU’s New Vehicle General Safety Regulation: A Step Towards Safer Roads

September 12, 2024

In a landmark move for road safety, the European Union (EU) on July 7 this summer rolled out an update to its General Safety Regulation (GSR), mandating that all new vehicles sold in the EU are equipped with technology that detects drowsiness and distraction in drivers. This initiative is set to transform the automotive landscape by addressing the critical issue of human error, which accounts for 95% of traffic accidents.

What is the GSR?

The GSR is part of a broader EU effort to make traffic safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. While the GSR has been around since 2009, its focus has changed slightly in the last couple of years - originally targeting features like electronic stability control and advanced emergency braking systems, it’s now turned its focus inwards - primarily on systems that can detect the behaviour of the driver herself.

Ensuring Driver Alertness: The Role of DDAW and ADDW Systems

Central to the latest iteration of the GSR are two innovative systems designed to keep drivers attentive and reduce the risk of accidents: Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) and Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW).

Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW)

DDAW systems continuously monitor driver performance and vehicle behaviour. By detecting signs of fatigue or drowsiness—such as lane drift or sudden steering wheel movements—these systems can alert the driver through audio or visual warnings. Advanced DDAW systems may even use on-board sensors to monitor steering wheel grip, facial expressions, and eye movements, ensuring the driver remains focused on the road.

Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW)

ADDW systems are designed to identify when a driver becomes distracted, such as by looking at a mobile phone. By tracking head and eye movements, ADDW systems can issue warnings if the driver’s attention strays from the road for too long. This proactive approach aims to prevent accidents caused by inattention and promote safer driving practices.

DDAW/ADDW Implementation Timeline

The EU’s regulation is being implemented in phases to give manufacturers adequate time to adapt:

Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW)

  • Mandatory for new vehicle types: July 6, 2022
  • Mandatory for all new and existing vehicle types: July 7, 2024

Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW)

  • Mandatory for new vehicle types: July 7, 2024
  • Mandatory for all new and existing vehicle types: July 7, 2026

In other words: DDAW is mandatory for new and existing vehicle types as of this summer, while ADDW is mandatory for new and existing vehicle types as of July 7, 2026. These regulations apply to motor vehicles in categories M and N, which include passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Integrating Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) for Enhanced Safety: GSR and NCAP

In order to comply with the GSR, all new cars in the EU will require a camera-based Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) by the year 2026, meaning manufacturers need to begin incorporating this software into their systems now. Moreover, these systems are not only essential for meeting the EU’s new stringent safety standards but are also crucial for achieving high ratings from car safety authorities like Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Protocol). While Euro NCAP is technically voluntary, the safety rating can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s success in the market.

At Devant, we are committed to advancing vehicle safety through innovation. Our collaboration with Seeing Machines, a global leader in DMS/OMS systems, has led to the development of the NCAP Validation Service platform. This cutting-edge platform delivers high-quality synthetic validation data, establishing a gold standard in the automotive industry. It facilitates rapid compliance with NCAP tests and regulatory mandates, providing significant benefits to OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and regulators in upholding strict vehicle safety protocols.

Conclusion

The updated General Safety Regulation marks a significant advancement in vehicle and road safety, aiming to drastically reduce accidents caused by human error. At Devant, we are proud to support this initiative through our innovative solutions, ensuring that new vehicles meet these rigorous safety standards.

As we move towards a safer future, we aim to deliver high-quality, human-centric synthetic data, helping manufacturers and regulators in their road safety goals.

For more information on our NCAP Validation Service and other cutting-edge solutions - contact us directly.