UN ADVANCES ELECTRIC VEHICLE BRAKING

The United Nations has adopted new regulations to combat pedal misapplication and introduce advanced braking systems for electric vehicles as per the Brake Report.

A iming to improve road safety and energy efficiency, the measures target older drivers and automatic transmissions, as well as innovations in braking technology for electric vehicles.

➤ Pedal misapplication more frequent among older drivers

Data from Asia and Europe indicate that older drivers are more likely to confuse the accelerator with the brake pedal. In Japan, older drivers are eight times more likely to make this mistake than younger generations, prompting Japan to propose a draft UN regulation. With an ageing population worldwide, the number of older drivers is set to increase significantly. For instance, in Japan, the percentage of driving license holders aged 75 and above is projected to rise from four per cent in 2009 to 9.2 per cent by 2025. This demographic shift underscores the importance of the new regulation in mitigating potential road safety risks.

➤Impact of automatic transmissions