How smart systems, new infrastructure and international trends are revolutionising road safety

Fewer road deaths, more technological innovation – Europe is moving closer to its ambitious ‘Vision Zero’ goal of zero road deaths by 2050. New data shows that many countries are already making measurable progress with modern assistance systems, artificial intelligence, consistent traffic monitoring and innovative infrastructure. But it is not only European countries that are setting new standards – global impetus from the Far East and North America is also driving the road safety agenda forward.

Autonomous vehicles on the rise: China’s tech giants are pushing into Europe

Autonomous driving is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of modern road safety – particularly thanks to providers from China, who now want to establish their technologies in Europe.

For example, WeRide is planning to introduce robot taxi services in several European cities in collaboration with Uber. The focus is on using existing mobility infrastructure combined with safety-optimised self-driving technology. WeRide points to over 2,000 accident-free days of operation. Baidu, the market leader in autonomous driving services in China, is also looking to expand into Europe.

Initial plans include pilot projects in Switzerland and Turkey, with an office in Zurich to be opened by the end of 2025. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Baidu’s ‘Apollo Go’ service recorded more than 1.1 million autonomous trips – a clear indication of the technology’s market readiness.

Smart sensor technology: new safety through connected tyres and eye tracking

A key factor in accident prevention is the early detection of potential hazards – even in difficult road conditions. Tyre manufacturer Goodyear has developed intelligent tyres that detect slippery, wet or other critical road conditions and communicate with the vehicle’s driver assistance systems. This allows the emergency braking system (AEB) to react earlier if necessary and prevent accidents in difficult weather conditions.

At the same time, camera-based driver monitoring systems are gaining in importance. Companies such as Smart Eye and Seeing Machines are focusing on AI-supported analysis of eye movements, head posture and attention. The aim is to detect distraction or fatigue at an early stage and warn the driver immediately. From 2026, such systems will be mandatory in the EU for new cars – a clear sign of their preventive value: after all, studies show that up to 25% of all accidents are caused by distracted driving.

Flashing light instead of warning triangle: innovation from Spain

An example of a practical safety solution comes from Spain. The start-up Netun Solutions has developed Help Flash, a warning system that is magnetically attached to the car roof in the event of a breakdown or accident and automatically emits a flashing warning signal. The system has been a legal alternative to the warning triangle since July 2021 and will completely replace it in Spain from 2026. The advantage: faster visibility, lower risk when leaving the vehicle – and thus greater safety in emergencies.

National success: three countries – three approaches

Finland is one of the pioneers of road safety strategy. With a 29% reduction in traffic fatalities within ten years, the country is well above the EU average. This is due to a comprehensive network of speed controls, lower speed limits in built-up areas and consistent monitoring of every fatal collision.

Poland has been focusing on comprehensive infrastructure modernisation and intensive monitoring since 2021. New speed control systems, more frequent alcohol checks and the national ‘Safe Road Infrastructure’ safety programme are having an effect: In 2023, Poland was awarded the Road Safety Performance Index Award.

Germany, on the other hand, is focusing on data-based early hazard detection. The FeGiS+ and EDDA+ projects evaluate various data sources, including reports from citizens, to identify dangerous sections of road at an early stage. The risk maps created in this way enable targeted countermeasures to be taken on site.

Digital infrastructure and smart assistance systems

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is also one of the most promising measures. This system warns drivers when they exceed speed limits or actively intervenes, as in pilot projects in New York. Studies show that ISA could reduce the number of fatal accidents by up to 50%. ISA has been mandatory in Europe for all new vehicle types since July 2022.

Belgium is investing in AI-supported traffic management systems. Traffic lights are adjusted in real time to traffic flow and weather conditions, and automated detection of red light violations enables faster responses. The first test routes with autonomous buses that anticipate pedestrian movements are already underway.

Cities in transition: Bologna makes 30 km/h the norm

A particularly radical step towards improving road safety comes from Italy. The city of Bologna has declared 70% of its area a 30 km/h zone – accompanied by investments in footpaths and cycle paths, police presence and public awareness campaigns. Despite initial protests, the success is clear: within a few months, accidents fell by 14.5% and the number of injuries by 12.6%.

The road to Vision Zero is digital, international and data-driven

The diversity of measures in Europe – from smart tyres and driver monitoring to comprehensive urban speed reductions – shows that modern road safety is multidimensional. It thrives on technological innovation, legal consistency and social change. International cooperation and the transfer of successful models across national borders play just as central a role as the use of artificial intelligence and data-supported early warning systems.

Whether with robot taxis from China, AI buses from Belgium or warning systems from Spain, Europe is on course for a future with fewer accidents. Vision Zero is no longer a utopia, but a realistic goal on the road to safer mobility for all.

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