Press Release: Move to improved pedestrian safety by 2009

The European Commission welcomed the support of the European Parliament for its proposal to fit passenger cars with Brake Assist Systems (BAS) as early as 2009. As many as 8000 vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists, are killed every year in the EU. The use of BAS can considerably reduce the stopping distance of a vehicle in an emergency situation and will safe lifes. It will provide more safety with less legislation. The proposal will now be discussed by the Council of Ministers.