EU regulations enhance road safety
The EU's Vision Zero aims for zero road fatalities and serious injuries by 2050, focusing on standardising safety technology in vehicles through the General Safety Regulation (GSR). This regulation requires advanced safety features, crucial for reducing human error, which accounts for 90% of accidents. The phased implementation mandates advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as blind spot detection and emergency braking in new trucks by July 2024.
Girteka, Europe's largest asset-based logistics company, demonstrates the impact of these regulations through the rapid integration of GSR-compliant vehicles into its fleet. Since the implementation of these regulations, Girteka has added over 2,400 compliant trucks and plans to invest in 8,000 more by 2026. Data show a 10% reduction in accidents involving these vehicles, particularly in low-speed situations. This success emphasises the importance of well-trained drivers and advanced technology in creating safer roads, highlighting the effective linkage between regulation and operational safety improvements.