US vehicle standards would endanger Europeans, experts warn
EU officials should reconsider accepting US vehicle standards, cities and civil society organisations have warned. Signatories, including Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, as well as over 75 civil society organisations wrote a letter to European lawmakers, warning that accepting the laxer US vehicle standards would work against the EU’s work in reducing emissions and improving road safety and public health.
The deal, reached in the summer, states that “with respect to automobiles, the United States and the European Union intend to accept and provide mutual recognition to each other’s standards.” But European safety regulations have seen a 36% reduction in road deaths since 2010 in Europe. In America, over the same period, road deaths have increased by 30%. For cyclists, they have increased by 50% and for pedestrians, 80%.
European regulations mandate technology including pedestrian protection, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Some pedestrian safety requirements are not required by US vehicle standards, including deformation zones at the front of vehicles to reduce the severity of a crash, and the prohibition of sharp edges, such as those on the Tesla Cybertruck.
“Europe built its reputation on pioneering robust vehicle standards.To accept lower US standards would undo decades of EU progress,” say the signatories. According to the letter “the consequences of such a move for European road safety would be profound.”
The EU is also set to further limit harmful pollution from brake and tyre wear, beginning in 2026. At the same time, America is working to scale back its air pollution regulations for vehicles. The signatories warn that accepting the American standards would increase exposure to pollutants linked to asthma, cancer, and other neurological and cardiovascular conditions.
The European Commission is also working to tighten the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) which has seen many American pick-up trucks and large SUVs imported into Europe, despite not meeting safety and emissions requirements. Accepting American standards would result in many more of those vehicles on European roads, the signatories warn.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
