Conti Signs European Road Safety Charter

On November 26 Continental AG added its signature to the European Road Safety Charter, a document outlining the goal to halve the number of fatalities on roads within the European Union by the year 2010; in other words, a reduction to 25,000 from 50,000 EU road deaths recorded in 2004. With the signatures of Continental’s board executive Dr. Hans-Joachim Nikolin and the European Commission Vice President, Jacques Barrot, Continental AG commits itself to supporting this initiative.

“For years now Continental has been engaged in the development of intelligent automotive safety systems and in initiation of educational and research projects, including programs aimed at children and young people, all of which is intended to improve European road safety,” underscored Dr. Nickolin at the ceremony in Brussels. “Our signature under the European Road Safety Charter moves us closer to realisation of Vision Zero. For us that means making future road traffic even safer.”

In 2005 there were 41,600 traffic fatalities and some 1.9 million injuries on EU roads. Traffic accidents are the most common cause of hospitalisation for people under 55 years of age. The impact of traffic accidents on the national economies of the EU countries is pegged at €200 billion, or approximately 2 per cent of Gross National Product in the EU. In 2006, the number of traffic fatalities dropped 2,400 to 39,200.

EU Vice President Jacques Barrot welcomed the commitment of Continental AG. “We are very happy about every signature of the Charter. Each signatory shows a clear commitment and serious contribution to road safety. By combining our efforts, everyone in the European Union can make real progress towards the end objective of reducing casualties.”

Continental points out that signing the initiative is but one of a number of steps the company has taken in the area of traffic safety. Many products currently produced or under development by Continental contribute to the protection of road users, including intelligent safety systems such as the ESC (Electronic Stability Control), the electronic brake assist system and the LDW (Lane Departure Warning) systems. ContiGuard is another product with the same safety goal. This new, intelligent safety system for vehicles networks all components of active and passive safety systems and also integrates environmental sensors and telematics functions. The integral anti-lock brake system and specially regulated air-spring systems developed by Continental for motorcycles are likewise instrumental in reducing motorcycle accidents.

At present the company is working in conjunction with Germany’s Darmstadt University of Technology on a project called Proreta, with the research of both parties focusing upon the development of electronic driver assistance systems that autonomously trigger braking or steering manoeuvres to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. Safety-relevant criteria such as shorter braking distances and safe steering response when manoeuvring around an obstacle are also a traditional focus of new developments and research activities in the corporation’s tyre divisions. Control systems that warn drivers of dangerous drops in air inflation pressure have long been staples in what Continental offers vehicle manufacturers.

Additional information about the European Road Safety Charter can be found at the website http://www.paueducation.com/charter/index.php?lng=en.