All new cars in Europe will have technology to limit their speed. The European Union will require cars to have "speed assistance" systems from 2022 as standard equipment. There are other things that cars will have, like breathalyzers that won't allow driving if the driver has had too much alcohol. Cars must also have advanced emergency braking, a built-in data recorder, drowsiness monitoring, and sensors to help when reversing. Around 25,000 people die each year on Europe's roads. Most accidents are caused by human error. The new safety systems will cut road deaths.
There has been mixed reaction to the safety features. Some people agree with them, others disagree. The EU said the features would increase safety. It said: "We can have the same kind of impact as when safety belts [and airbags] were first introduced." The safety features could save up to 10,500 lives and avoid up to 60,000 injuries by the year 2030. Many drivers are unhappy with the technology. They say it could make driving more dangerous. A British driver said he didn't want data recorders in his car because that was like Big Brother was watching him.