About eSafety Challenge 2009
Some of the world’s best drivers gathered at the Vallelunga circuit in the outskirts of Rome for the first eSafety Challenge, an annual event that promotes and highlights the life-saving potential of eSafety technologies. More than 300 high-level delegates and journalists have participated on 8-9 September 2009 at the event which is co-funded by the FIA Foundation, European Commission and eSafetyAware.
Opening Session
The Challenge was opened with a series of speeches by notable guests, including eSafetyAware President Jean Todt, UK Minister for Transport Paul Clark MP, seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, and Make Roads Safe global ambassador Michelle Yeoh. During his opening address, Todt said: "Today’s eSafety Challenge shows that eSafety has the backing of policy makers, major automotive stakeholders, and some of the best drivers in the world. Just as with a seatbelt today, one day it will be unthinkable to buy a car without eSafety on board."
eSafety Excellence Prizes
During the first year event, the eSafety Challenge has taken the opportunity to recognize the merits of several actors for their important efforts in the deployment of eSafety technologies. Prizes were given for excellence in marketing, driver training and car sales and the winners were chosen from 25 candidates by an independent panel comprising of a broad range of eSafety stakeholders. Ms Michelle Yeoh, Global Ambassador for 'Make Roads Safe' campaign has handed in the prizes to this year's winners:
• Renault Spain for ‘Excellence in Marketing’
• German Road Safety Council (DVR) for ‘Excellence in Driver Training’
• Auto de Graef for ‘Excellence in Car Sales’
eSafety Demonstrations
Formula One drivers Heikki Kovalainen, Giancarlo Fisichella, Timo Glock and Robert Kubica as well as eight-time 24 Hours Le Mans Champion Tom Kristensen and DTM driver Susie Stoddart have joined those present and showed their support for the deployment of eSafety technologies. Following the opening session was the eSafety demonstration where the six drivers have spectacularly illustrated the benefits of 5 eSafety technologies in a variety of cars, ranging from small class vehicles to trucks. The technologies promoted were:
• Electronic Stability Control
• Lane Support Systems
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Speed Alert
• Warning and Emergency Braking Systems
The companies supporting the demonstrations were:
Hands-On Driving Experiences
At the end of the demonstrations those present were able to try the systems themselves. The test rides turned out to be very popular and those who have tried the systems have declared themselves convinced of the safety benefits of these technologies.The participants were able to test all 5 technologies, with the Lane Support System being showed on public roads while the others were tested in the demonstration area.
Panel Debates
During the second day of the event two panel debates have taken place in the Hotel Hilton Cavalieri in Rome. The discussion during the sessions revolved around questions on how to support eSafety deployment and how to inform consumers about the safety benefits of these technologies. The two panels was comprised of experts from the eSafety community with a vast experience in these two areas. The debates have proved fruitful and the active participation of the delegates present have improved the discussions even further. For the list of presentations and downloading options please click here.
Supporting Studies
Prior to the eSafety Challenge event, eSafetyAware has launched a study looking into the user’s knowledge and attitudes towards eSafety technologies as well as their purchasing habits. The results of the study highlight a lack of awareness amongst the general population about eSafety technologies but if all car buyers were aware of the eSafety technologies, installation rates would increase by a third. The study further shows a significant gender difference when it comes to eSafety awareness, with women knowing considerably less about these safety technologies. This, together with the fact that women are involved in seven out of ten car purchases illustrate how important it is for women to be aware of eSafety.
Furthermore, as a preparation for the event eSafetyAware has produced a background paper on eSafety technologies containing a comprehensive description of the 5 eSafety technologies promoted by this year’s eSafety Challenge, their benefits and policy actions taken around the world to support the deployment of eSafety.
The studies can be downloaded here.
More information about the eSafety Challenge
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