Euro NCAP targets rapid implementation of autonomous tech

Euro NCAP is pushing for the implementation of autonomous technology in new vehicles in a bid to drastically boost road safety.

The independent body for car safety has outlined targets for manufacturers to introduce certain levels of autonomous technology into their cars in the new Roadmap 2025.

It calls for brands to have added driver monitoring technology, automatic emergency steering and autonomous emergency braking to their vehicles by 2020. It also asks that cars gain vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology by 2024.

Whiplash and rear-end crash protection, pedestrian and cyclist safety features are also called for introduction by 2022, with improvements to rescue, extrication and child-protection systems also part of the list.

Euro NCAP secretary-general Michiel van Ratingen said: “The potential safety benefits of automated driving are huge. If we can eliminate human error, we should see road casualty numbers tumbling and many lives being saved. But there is a lot of misunderstanding, over-expectation and perhaps some suspicion of a world in which cars can drive themselves.

“Our role will be to provide clear information to consumers about the degree of automation in a car and how safely that automation has been implemented. Quite a challenge, but essential if Euro NCAP is to continue pressing for improvements from those who make cars and providing meaningful information to those who buy them.”

Roadmap 2025 is part of Vision Zero, a strategy launched by Global NCAP designed to drastically reduce the number of injuries or fatalities caused by road accidents.

Global NCAP figures from 2015 suggested that, out of 68 million new cars bought that year, around a quarter failed to meet United Nations minimum safety standards, lacking airbags, anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control. NCAP is pushing for all cars to meet the UN’s minimum requirements by 2020.