Associations pledge to back zero fatality targets

26 July 2018

Major players in the European mobility sector have signed a road safety pledge to contribute to achieving zero traffic fatalities by 2050.

The coalition includes the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), the association of national motoring organisations (FIA Region I), with strong support from the Dutch Bicycle and Automotive Industry Association (RAI Vereniging) and the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB).

The associations emphasised their commitment to support the road safety targets of the European Commission and member states. This pledge was signed in the presence of the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, and was officially handed over to her.

′By signing up to this common road safety vision, we commit to work together with other relevant stakeholders on an integrated approach to road safety,’ stated Erik Jonnaert, Secretary General of ACEA. ′We believe that this is the only way to ensure that safe vehicles are driven by safe drivers on safe roads.’

Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General of CLEPA, comments: ′On behalf of CLEPA, I am happy to confirm our commitment to contribute to road safety and to make zero casualties a reality. This is the start of work amongst stakeholders in the industry and exchange with policymakers, and I am looking forward to defining and achieving further milestones.’

Laurianne Krid, FIA Region I Director General, said: ′As organisations involved in the daily mobility of EU citizens, we take road safety very seriously. With this pledge, we show our commitment to go beyond the status quo and work hand-in-hand with the EU institutions to achieve an ambitious and shared road safety vision in pursuit of zero traffic fatalities by 2050.’

Possible measures include targeted awareness campaigns, research efforts aiming to bring technologies to the market and informing drivers on the effective use of vehicle safety technologies. Improvements to road infrastructure, accident reporting and post-crash interventions are also covered.

The European Commission recently suggested a number of systems which manufacturers should consider adding to new models as standard.

While road fatalities have more than halved since 2001, 25,300 people still lost their lives on EU roads in 2017, and another 135,000 were seriously injured. The Commission is therefore taking measures with strong EU added-value to contribute to safe roads and the protection of those using them.

The signing ceremony took place in the Hague at an event organised by RAI Vereniging on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.