From drowsiness assistants to accident data recorders: from July 7 for all new cars

New cars built in recent years are already equipped with a number of driver assistance systems. These include the lane departure warning system and emergency brake assist. From July 7, 2024, these and other driver assistance systems will be mandatory for all new cars. Vehicles that are already on the road do not have to and cannot be retrofitted. The systems contribute to greater road safety. However, the TCS points out that all systems still have potential in their development. And: drivers are therefore not relieved of their responsibility.

All new cars put on the road must have a system that can detect when a driver's attention is waning due to fatigue. It is active at speeds above 65 km/h, cannot be switched off and analyzes driving behavior via sensors in the vehicle. These can be steering wheel movements by the driver that do not correlate with the course of the road or the lane markings detected by the camera module. The system also measures the duration of the journey, the time of day and the driver's blinking behavior, for example when changing lanes. It gives a visual and acoustic warning if it detects changes in the way the driver handles the vehicle and the steering wheel. A camera aimed at the driver was not previously mandatory. Nevertheless, many manufacturers already install a camera that constantly analyzes the driver's head position or gaze.

From July 7, 2024, newly developed and type-tested models must be able to detect not only a tired driver, but also a distracted driver, for example if they are using a smartphone. Every new car is expected to be equipped with such a camera in two years' time.

The next stage of the existing emergency brake assist system in newly developed and type-tested models is an emergency braking system to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The system also warns of (crossing) pedestrians on the road and initiates emergency braking if necessary. This is indicated to following traffic by flashing brake lights, and the hazard warning lights are switched on when the vehicle is stationary.

This is an event-related data recording. The Event Data Recorder (EDR) can only be evaluated after an accident, i.e. the recording only takes place in the event of an accident and only over a short period of five seconds before and 250 milliseconds after the crash. The data can be helpful for accident reconstruction or for the further development of vehicle safety. If no accident is detected, the memory remains empty. The data is stored anonymously.

This system protects the vehicle's IT systems (software) from hackers. Vehicle manufacturers must monitor potential threats throughout the entire life cycle of their vehicles and take appropriate measures. Possible gateways for a cyber attack are various digital control units, of which around 50 to 150 are installed in today's mid-range and luxury cars, depending on the equipment. This is to ensure that the drive system, from the engine and transmission to the wheels and brakes, all assistance systems, including those that are now also mandatory, as well as the infotainment and communication system function properly. The vehicles, in particular their software, are to be systematically checked for new weak points.

A few systems - such as the lane departure warning system - can be switched off. However, the system always resets itself so that it is active again every time the engine is restarted. In general, TCS recommends that drivers check with the manufacturer's specialist garage which assistance and emergency call systems are installed in their own car or read them in the owner's manual.

Source: TCS