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European Road Safety Observatory Report: The crucial role of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems

19/08/2024 19:46 Comments Off

A new report from the European Road Safety Observatory underscores the critical role of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the road. Proper use of motorcycle helmets can decrease the risk of fatal crashes by approximately 40% and severe head injuries by nearly 70%. Likewise, bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of fatal head or brain injuries by an average of 71%. Seatbelts lower the risk of fatal incidents by 60% for front-seat occupants and 44% for rear-seat passengers. Correctly used child restraint systems reduce the likelihood of death or injury by around 60% compared to unrestrained children.

Compliance and Challenges

While compliance with seatbelt laws is generally high, some countries still face challenges, particularly regarding rear-seat passengers. Motorcycle helmet use is also largely compliant, with a few exceptions. However, the correct and consistent use of bicycle helmets and child restraint systems is less prevalent, with many instances of incorrect or non-use.

The Importance of Education and Enforcement

Educational programs play a vital role in promoting the use of protective equipment, but enforcement of legislation is equally important. In most EU countries, the perceived likelihood of being checked or fined for not using protective gear remains relatively low, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement measures.

EU Road Safety Goals and Legislative Framework

The EU has set an ambitious target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the EU road safety policy framework for 2021-2030. While the responsibility for traffic rules and enforcement lies primarily with EU Member States, EU laws mandate the use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems. This latest report is part of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote safer mobility across the EU, with the European Road Safety Observatory regularly publishing research on key road safety topics.

New Zealand and EU trade deal comes into force

06/05/2024 13:37 Comments Off

The EU and NZ FTA (Free Trade Agreement) is expected to make trading opportunities much easier between the two regions, and is estimated to save EU companies €140 million a year in duties.

Source: European Union

The FTA agreement is expected to increase business opportunities in the EU and New Zealand by making trading much easier and cheaper with benefits for businesses, citizens and farmers. Its core focuses are on benefiting farmers, trade in goods, and investment & services on digital trade. The FTA is also underlines sustainability commitments that comply with the Paris Climate Agreement and core working rights.

Key FTA advantages that look set to improve business relations between EU & NZ

Zero tariffs on EU exports to New Zealand.
New Zealand’s service market to widen in key sectors including financial services, telecomms, maritime transport and delivery services.
Non-discriminatory treatment of EU investors in New Zealand.
EU companies to get improved access to New Zealand government procurement contracts for goods, services, works and works concessions.
Guidelines to help small businesses’ exports.
Significantly reduced compliance requirements and procedures.

The benefits that zero tariffs & improved trading market conditions present

It has been reported that in 2022 EU businesses exported €6.258bn of goods to New Zealand, and imported €2.807bn from there. Now that the new FTA has removed tariffs, this factor alone could save EU businesses approximately €140 million in duties per year on exporting their goods to New Zealand, and it is expected to help grow overall bilateral trade by up to 30% within a decade*.

*As published in European Commission, Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment

The FTA zero tariffs is exciting news for many European businesses, including those in the motor vehicles and parts industry, which previously experienced tariffs of up to 10%.