Anuário da Indústria de Implementos Rodoviários 2018

80 ARTIGO | ARTICLE | ARTÍCULO E ssential safety devices such as airbags and ABS brakes have only become mandatory in Brazil a long time after Europe and the United States. Concerned about this traditional lag, the National Association of Vehicle Manufacturers (ANFAVEA) suggested and the National Transport Council (Contran) accepted, a timetable that aims in only 48 months to establish the technical requirements for the mandatory introduction of no less than 38 new vehicle safety items. Established by Contran Resolution No. 717 of November 30, 2017, the list may not be fulfilled. The Resolution itself provides that in cases where studies prove the impracticability of applying the proposed solution in practice, Contran will deliberate on its implementation. Among the items to be studied in this short term are three-point seat belts, which are already in most Brazilian vehicles, reverse alert systems (sound alarm or a rear camera) and Emergency Signal System (ESS), which automatically switches the warning lights on in the event of sudden braking. The six-month period includes a review of vehicle control locations (probably standardization for all brands), horn intensity, standardization and size of the rear view mirror, locks and hinges (to stop doors opening in side impact accidents), occupant protection in front and rear impacts, and anti-intrusion front seat protection. Within the same period of time, belt buckling warnings, spray reduction systems, pedestrian protection and side impact absorbing requirements, including against poles (requiring assemblers to include side protection bars as well as air bags on the sides of vehicles), as well as regulation for electric vehicles. The twelve-month period includes a long list of studies, beginning with the regulation of several items related to dangerous products, such as characteristics and technical specifications of the vehicles used in this transport, and the stability and of such vehicles. Also included in this list are the updates of flammability standards, the installation and resistance of fuel tanks, and a comparative technical of CBS and ABS brakes for motorcycles. In 18 months Contran must approve the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which, according to the IIHS, the institute responsible for regulating road safety in the United States, reduced fatal accidents by up to 85% in the country in 2016. Within the same period Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) must be made compulsory for new vehicles. Also within the eighteen-month period, speedometers, the control of warnings, external protection, the croup handle and side stands for motorbikes will be regulated. Within 24 months, headrests, accessibility requirements for vehicle approval, combination coupling for vehicles and speed limiters must be studied. Recently, Argentina has proposed to Mercosur a technical regulation on such a device, including vehicles already in circulation. The proposal is based on United Nations Technical Regulation 89, which was incorporated into EU law in 2007, although the first version of the European legislation on the subject was in 1992. According to experts, in addition to helping to increase traffic safety, speed limiters would help reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and rationalize transport costs. However, Denatran has asked Mercosur to suspend discussions on the issue until more in-depth studies have been carried out. Within thirty months the identification numbers of bus and micro-bus bodies and vehicle construction requirements will be dealt with. In 26 months, accident data recorders (black boxes) and superstructure (double deck) will enter the agenda. Finally, self-driving cars will be regulated in 48 months. Contran will determine what is valid or not for these vehicles. It is hoped that all of these innovations will only apply to new vehicles and that they will not just be good intentions. Of course, safer vehicles will always be more expensive. But certainly the higher investment will be offset by the reduction of accidents. Even if this does not happen, this will be a price to pay for increasing safety on Brazilian highways. Vehicles could get 38 new safety devices By Neuto Gonçalves dos Reis Technical Director of the NTC&Logística