EU’s General Safety Regulation
What You Need To Know
On the road to “Vision Zero”: What the GSR means for commercial vehicles – and how safety technologies by ZF help OEMs to get there.
Traffic needs to be safer. This is something society, vehicle manufacturers and lawmakers agree upon, and where the “General Safety Regulation” (GSR) of the European Union comes into play. A legislative framework, most recently updated in 2019, makes advanced safety features mandatory for new vehicles sold into the European market. Releasing a new vehicle platform in Europe first requires an official homologation release (called a “first type approval”), then another approval when new vehicles get their first license plate (called “first registration”). With the latest GSR updates, new commercial vehicles need to possess (among others) the six ADAS features shown here, starting from mid-2022 (for homologations) and mid-2024 (for registrations) respectively.
The human factor and what role it plays in the GSR
As you may have noted, these features seem to largely focus on keeping drivers attentive and alert. That is because the human factor is still the most common cause of accidents and supporting drivers in this regard is the best way to increase safety across all forms of traffic.
Check out this video to learn more about the history of the GSR, its purpose and which road users legislators are focused on protecting:
There are six features that will be mandatory for new vehicle homologations starting in July 2022, and for new vehicle registrations starting in July 2024: Moving Off Information System (MOIS), Blind Spot Information System (BSIS), Reversing Information System (REIS), Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Driver Drowsiness & Alertness Warning (DDAW) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). While the text of the GSR states which features are mandatory, exactly how these are realized on a technical level can be decided individually by vehicle manufacturers. And vehicle manufacturers, in turn, decide to rely on ZF. With its extensive product portfolio of advanced braking and steering technologies, smart data integration, AI-capable ECU, precise sensors and more, ZF can provide OEM with scalable approaches to fulfilling the GSR requirements. From single components to comprehensive systems, ZF is the one-stop shop for vehicle manufacturers to implement safety features in their heavy-duty vehicles and to meet GSR goals.
New Safety Features Required by the GSR
Moving Off Information System (MOIS)
High up in the cockpit of large commercial vehicles, the world seems to be at your feet. Unfortunately, such a vantage point means that you don’t often see what’s right in front of you. This poses a considerable risk for pedestrians or cyclists, e.g., at crosswalks or red lights. A “Moving Off Information System” (MOIS) based on real-time object identification, alerts the driver when someone is in the blind spot in front of the vehicle. Thus, this system is able to help protect vulnerable road users.
Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)
Driver’s education around the world teaches about checking your blind spots when turning. But that’s easier said than done when behind the wheel of a truck or a bus – even with large and additional side mirrors. A “Blind Spot Information System” (BSIS) warns the driver if a cyclist is riding adjacent to the passenger side of the vehicle, aiming for increased road safety, especially in urban areas.
Reversing Information System (REIS)
Most commercial vehicle journeys start or end in a depot. But whether it’s maneuvering into a cargo bay or just parking for the night: for less experienced drivers especially, backing up can be quite nerve-wracking, as the size of the vehicle generates a large blind spot in the rear. A “Reversing Information System” (REIS) covers the close-proximity blind spot at the rear of a truck or bus and activates automatically as soon as reverse gear is engaged. By this means, the system effectively supports the driver to safely maneuver backwards.
Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
Attention can waver, especially on long journeys. As a result, drivers sometimes aren’t aware of changes in the speed limit. Enter the “Intelligent Speed Assist” (ISA). The system identifies speed limit road signs and displays the current speed limit on the dashboard screen. In case the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the system issues an alert to encourage the driver to adjust the vehicle speed. This would help to prevent accidents, fines and increase driver efficiency.
Driver Drowsiness & Alertness Warning (DDAW)
Driving can be exhausting, especially over long periods of time – at which point, the risk of accidents increases. A “Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning” (DDAW) system detects unusual driving behavior caused by drowsiness or reduced attention. Accounting for factors like steering behavior, hours of driving and more, the system would in such case issue an alert. At this point, drivers are prompted to correct their driving and – ideally – make a quick rest stop.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
With up to 18 and more wheels, checking the tire pressure of a commercial vehicle is an arduous task. However, foregoing regular check-ups can negatively impact a vehicle’s driving behavior and increase the risk of accidents – e.g., through worsened maneuverability or blow-outs. As an additional benefit, always having optimal tire pressure reduces fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions. While not releasing drivers from their routine pre-trip inspection, A “Tire Pressure Monitoring System” (TPMS) enables them to initiate countermeasures early, should a sudden pressure loss occur.
How ZF supports OEM to meet GSR goals
For decades now, ZF has supplied the automotive industry with proven solutions in active and passive safety. With the integration of commercial vehicle technology specialist WABCO, ZF can provide integrated safety system solutions – from single components to comprehensive systems – from a single source. That in turn means shorter development cycles, easier homologation and thus quicker time-to-market. Whatever the GSR may hold in store for OEMs, they can rely on ZF’s support every step of the way.
