EU mandates driver monitoring cameras in new cars

A new regulation that came into effect in the European Union on Tuesday, July 7, mandates the installation of a driver monitoring infrared camera in all new cars and light commercial vehicles registered in the 27 member states.

Although criticisms have arisen regarding privacy violations, “the requirement is part of the final phase of the General Safety Regulation (Regulation 2019/2144), a regulatory update that began to be implemented gradually from 2022 and now extends its requirements to all new vehicles sold within the bloc,” as detailed by Cryptopolitan.

In any case, the authorities’ priority is the safety of both the driver and occupants of the vehicle, as well as pedestrians. In this regard, the “European Commission maintains that this set of measures will save more than 25,000 lives and prevent around 140,000 serious injuries between 2025 and 2038.”

In practice, the infrared camera will allow for the continuous analysis of parameters such as gaze direction, blink rate, yawning, and other indicators associated with driver distraction or fatigue, with image processing occurring within the vehicle. This does not involve video storage or biometric identification of the driver.

The regulation is part of a broader package of safety measures for all new cars sold in the European Union. The main requirements are:

• Automatic emergency braking capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists.
• Driver distraction monitoring system using an infrared camera.
• Improvements to the cabin design to widen the driver’s field of vision.
• Grip tests performed with worn tires instead of new ones.
• Safety glass with greater capacity to reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision.

M.Pino

Source: diariobitcoin

(Reference image source: Marc Pagliuca on Unsplash)

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