Schumacher launches the Decade of Action for Road Safety

On 11 May 2011, eSafety Challenge Ambassador, Michael Schumacher, called on Members of the European Parliament to make sure eSafety systems are deployed in all new cars through legislation or voluntarily at the launch of the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety in Strasbourg. The event was organized by eSafety Challenge, in its support to the Decade, together ACAFA, Association Française des Automobilistes.

The 7-Time Formula I World Champion said “eSafety technologies like Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Emergency Braking Systems, build safety into the system so that, as in motor sport, the risk and severity of accidents are minimised. It is vital that MEPs understand the importance and the number of lives that can be saved by deploying eSafety technologies through legislation or voluntarily.”

He gave his full support to the Decade of Action’s goals to reduce forecast fatalities by approximately 50% over the next ten years, saying “This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the road safety challenges we face while also experiencing the ingenuity of modern automotive safety design. But most important of all, it is an opportunity to spread the word to every new car buyer that the next car they buy should have eSafety technologies on board.”

Werner Kraus, President of FIA Region I, which represents 36 million motorists across its 100 member Motoring and Touring Clubs in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said “Globally, road traffic crashes have become the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29. And 90% of road traffic deaths and injuries occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. This is why the FIA is giving its full support to the Decade of Action’s goal to make our roads less dangerous.”

“We know that most road deaths are preventable and a terrible and tragic loss to so many families and to society as a whole. So we need to do our outmost to promote technologies that will save lives and avoid crashes.”

The event was also attended by the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, Président de l’Automobile Club, Association Française des Automobilistes, Didier Bollecker, and Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Member of the European Parliament.

Besides this, the eSafety Truck was at the disposal of visitors and Members of the Parliament to learn more about the different technologies. MEPs together with Michael Schumacher had the opportunity to test and experience how eSafety technologies can help drivers to avoid risks on the roads thorugh a guided tour of the different simulators organized by eSafety Challenge.