Pedestrian Safety: Commission presents draft Directive

Publication date: 19 February 2003

On 19 February 2003, the Commission presented its new proposal (COM (2003) 67 final - 2003/0033 (COD)) for a framework directive on pedestrian protection.

com_2003_0067_pedestrian_safety.pdf (172 KB)

The draft is based on a voluntary agreement signed by European, Japanese and Korean car makers in 2001 and 2002, and aims to reduce deaths and injuries of pedestrians through changes to the construction of the front of vehicles. In a first phase beginning 1 October 2005, vehicles have to pass two tests concerning the protection against injuries to the head and legs. A second phase will be launched in 2010 with four more binding tests. The proposal´s provisions are still subject to a feasibility study to be carried out by July 2004.  The detailed technical requirements for the tests will be set out by a separate Commission decision at a later stage.

In a policy statement, the AIT-FIA welcomed the Commission´s proposed Directive as a necessary and timely step forward.