The European Council for Transport Safety asks the states of the union to extend the ABS obligation even below 125 cc
March 30, 2023
According to a study conducted by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), in 2021, 3,891 people died in the EU following a road accident while driving a motorcycle or moped (about 90% men). That figure is 25% lower than in the previous decade, but other road fatalities fell by a third over the same period. Based on the findings of this report, the ETSC asked the European Union and the Governments of the Member States to make ABS braking systems mandatory on all new models of two-wheeled vehicles up to 125 cc. The obligation for higher engine capacities has already been in force for new registrations since 2016.
In our country there are more than 10 million motorized and two-wheeled vehicles in 2021, there were 695 deaths on a motorcycle or 24.7% less than in 2011, to which are added the 67 who lost their lives on a moped, 59.4% less than in 2011. This, we add, also because the mopeds in those ten years have known a reduction. So in total they are 752 people died on a two-wheeler in 2021 and 26% due to an accident. Of these, 94% were male and 28% were under the age of 29.
It is therefore urgent to continue to pay attention especially to the youngest and after the changes introduced in 2013 in the European Union on the requirements for obtaining a driving license which certainly contributed to the reduction of fatal accidents, according to the ETSC it is time to add other limits. In particular to drive a moped a practical test should always be mandatory as is already the case in our country, but all states should apply a minimum age of at least 16 years instead of 14.
Among the other recommendations suggested by the ETSC study there is also that of technical inspections which should become mandatory for all motorcycles and mopeds and a proposal from the European Commission is expected within the year.
There is no doubt that many steps forward should be made on the correct use of helmets and Europe and national governments should promote more information on the safety performance of helmets and all protective devices. Finally, the ETSC recommends that vehicle manufacturers improve the devices that detect the presence of motorcyclists through active safety technologies.
