Fuel Concerns Pushing EU Bill On Anti-Skid, Tire Technology Requirements

Brussels, Belgium (AHN) - The European Union hopes to bring fuel efficiency concerns to the forefront with a bill requiring all new passenger cars to have anti-skid and tire technology features by 2012.

The proposed high tech features would require fitting cars with computerized systems that control brakes and engines, tires that could contribute to a cut in fuel consumption and computer programs that monitor wheel pressure. The measures, which may hike vehicle prices by up to $473 (300 euro), also aim to promote road safety, said EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen.

Under the proposal, between 2012 and 2014, cars, tourist buses and trucks would be required to phase in the use of electronic stability control systems. It would also mandate the installation of low-rolling resistance tires and tire pressure mounting systems for cars starting 2012. The following year, trucks would be mandated to have advanced emergency braking and lane-departure warning systems.

Verheugen told Bloomberg the measures aims to cut yearly deaths resulting from road accidents to 25,000 by 2010 from 38,600 in 2006.

Technology is already having an effect in raising fuel consciousness among American drivers. Energy displays on hybrid vehicles measure the effect of specific driving actions on gas mileage, considered now a very vital part of driver's education as gas prices continue to soar in the international crude market.

Sarah Darby, a researcher at the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute, explained to the Washington Post, "Once you start making fuel consumption more visible, you have something that comes to the forefront of people's minds instead of lurking in the background."

Such electronic indicators help a hybrid vehicle driver discover the negative effects on miles per gallon of sudden acceleration from a stop position and slamming on the brakes. On the other hand, drivers learn that coasting to a stop is okay because it lets the engine close down, while going uphill has a very negative impact on mileage.

Tom Igoe, a physical computing researcher at New York University, described the Prius mpg display as a fine example of technology "where green meets information systems." Igoe told the Washington Post, "For a long time we have known that people will change their habits if they are exposed to feedback in real time."