Concerns Raised Over Vehicle Safety Standards in EU-US Trade Talks

Ten prominent European organisations focused on vehicle safety, consumer protection, and road safety have raised concerns about the potential impact of ongoing trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States on vehicle safety standards. The warning, published in the Financial Times, highlights the risks associated with recognising US-market vehicles as "equivalent" to those produced under the EU's more stringent safety regulations.

As EU and US officials aim to avoid a transatlantic trade war, the automotive sector has become a priority area for cooperation. However, safety advocates caution that any agreement enabling mutual recognition of vehicle standards could weaken protections for European road users.

One of the primary concerns lies in the differences between EU and US vehicle safety requirements. EU standards have undergone significant updates in recent years. Since 2022, all vehicles sold in the European market must comply with stricter regulations, which mandate features such as automated emergency braking and emergency lane-keeping systems. These measures are predicted to prevent thousands of road deaths over the coming years.

In contrast, such technologies are not currently required in the US. Historical data also points to variations in safety outcomes. During negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) a decade ago, a study commissioned by the car industry found that EU models were, on average, 33 per cent safer in front-side crash scenarios with a risk of serious injury.

Another point of contention is the prevalence of large American-market pickup trucks and SUVs, which pose heightened risks to vulnerable road users. Studies indicate that being struck by one of these vehicles increases the likelihood of serious injury by 90 per cent and fatal injury by nearly 200 per cent for pedestrians and cyclists.

Currently, some US-market vehicles enter Europe through a regulatory mechanism known as “individual vehicle approval,” which allows for limited imports outside standard regulations. Critics argue that this loophole should be closed rather than expanded.

Road safety trends further underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous standards. Since 2013, road deaths in the EU have decreased by 16 per cent, while in the US they have increased by 25 per cent over the same period. Advocates warn that relaxing vehicle safety requirements could undermine the progress made in reducing fatalities on European roads.