First eSafety Challenge gathered high-level support for eSafety Technologies

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.

The Challenge was opened with a series of speeches by notable guests, including eSafetyAware President Jean Todt, UK Minister for Transport Paul Clark MP and seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher. 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 with a seatbelt today, one day it will be unthinkable to buy a car without eSafety on board.'

Following the opening session, Formula 1 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 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

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.

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 comprised 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 more detailed information about the event, please view the eSafety Challenge Summary Report.