eSafety Compendium

6.2 Legal constraintsIn an age in which electronics and software systems are playing a crucial role in the operationof motor vehicles, it is probably inevitable that legislative and regulatory provisions areunable to keep up with the latest technical advances. This means there is a danger thatobsolete laws and regulations could jeopardize any form of technical enhancements.Conversely, legislation can play a valuable role in laying down a solid, enduring frameworkfor ongoing technical advances. Setting the right balance between flexible legislation that cankeep abreast of the latest technology on the one hand, and provide robust ground rules onthe other is a major part of creating an attractive business environment. Particular concernsof the Working Group were the authorization of new electronics systems and the drafting ofregulations on the dimensions and weight of heavy duty vehicles.6.2.1 Authorization of new electronic systemsThe recent authorization of electronic braking systems, ESP, steer-by-wire, and othercomparable systems demonstrates that if public authorities are involved in the process at theappropriate time, the process of implementing such products – while not without itsproblems – is not actually impeded. A particularly positive feature is the fact that certifyingbodies have significantly improved their expertise over the last few years, and are thereforein a position to assess state-of-the-art electronic safety systems.A further improvement in the authorization process will come with the introduction of the“horizontal approach.” At present, different provisions apply for specific vehicle systems,under a “vertical approach”: brake systems regulations, steering systems regulations, etc.Today’s electronic safety systems can no longer be classified in the traditional sense,however, so that several sets of regulations may apply in a given case. This means that thevertical approach is reaching its limits, making it difficult to obtain the required permits. Thecompetent committees are currently working on drafting a generally applicable (horizontal)directive for the authorization of complex systems, which will simplify the permit processfor modern systems.6.2.2 Dimensions and weightsThe situation regarding adaptations to the regulations on dimensions and weights appears tobe less flexible. These regulations significantly affect vehicle design concepts, and it isimportant for any changes in these regulations to be announced well in advance, because ofthe major impact at the capital investment level.The extended flexible front underrun protection system is discussed above under 5.3.4. Thisapproach towards enhanced road safety performance could make a real contribution toreducing the number of fatalities in passenger car / truck collisions. The implementation ofthe system requires a longer vehicle front structure. The total length of a truck is laid downby law, i.e. the introduction of this protection system would be at the expense of cargolength, which would make trucks fitted with this safety system less profitable to operate. Aspointed out several times in this report, the economic situation of haulage companies doesnot allow any increase in operating costs at present, and, accordingly, this safety measurewould achieve only very low market penetration rates.Page 264 of 490