Commission proposes rapid introduction of rear view mirror technology
After discussing road safety research with the EU's Member States and industry, the European Commission has adopted a proposal for a new directive aimed at accelerating the introduction of new technologies that increase the field of vision for drivers. As many road accidents at crossings, junctions and roundabouts are caused by drivers who are unaware that other road users are nearby, the Commission is proposing measures to reduce blind spots in the immediate area around vehicles. 'Improving road safety requires all of us to play a part. Much of it is about good driving by all of us individuals. Local and national governments are all active in promoting safety, but some issues require a Europe-wide solution. Car design is one such field where common EU standards can help save lives,' said Erkki Liikanen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Information Society. The proposal recommends blind spot reduction requirements be added to the current directive on rear view mirrors. The changes would entail upgrading technical characteristics of mirrors, for example the curvature of the surface, in line with technical progress, mounting additional mirrors on certain vehicles and replacing certain mirrors with other indirect vision systems, such as camera/monitor systems.