Understanding GSR2: The new safety standards for European vehicles

Making drivers safety a priority

The GSR2 initiative is part of the "Vision Zero" programme. Vision Zero is an international road safety project that aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050. The goal is to mitigate high-consequence road risks by implementing a "safe system" that secures vehicles, infrastructure, and people alike. This regulation applies to vehicle manufacturers, designers, and converters.

To achieve this, GSR2 aims to introduce advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to protect all types of road users. These safety features significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error. The European Union estimates that such regulation could help prevent at least 25,000 road deaths by 2038.

Associated changes

While some systems are already widely implemented, the GSR2 regulation mandates the inclusion of the following advanced safety technologies:

• Advanced emergency braking: Monitors the road ahead and alerts the driver to a potential collision. In an emergency, the system can apply the brakes automatically if the driver fails to react.

• Alcohol interlock installation facilitation: Requires a standardised interface to enable easy connection and installation of an alcohol interlock device, which prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit.

• Blind spot information system: Alerts the driver if proximity sensors detect vulnerable road users—such as cyclists or pedestrians—in blind spots.

• Driver drowsiness and attention warning: Monitors signs of fatigue and suggests taking a break if necessary.

• Lane keeping assistance system: Helps the driver stay safely within the lane, reducing the risk of unintentional lane departure and potential collisions.

• Emergency stop signal: Automatically activates the hazard lights when the brakes are applied sharply (above 50 km/h), warning vehicles approaching from behind.

• Event data recorder: Captures and stores vehicle data just before, during, and immediately after a road accident. The data is anonymised and used solely for accident research and analysis.

• Intelligent speed assistance: Supports the driver in maintaining a speed appropriate to the road environment, helping ensure compliance with speed limits.

• Start-up detection system: Uses proximity sensors to detect if someone is located in the vehicle’s blind spot during low-speed start-up.

• Reversing detection system: Monitors the area behind the vehicle while reversing to avoid collisions.

• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS): Alerts the driver in case of under-inflated or over-inflated tyres, helping reduce the risks associated with tyre failures.

   

New challenges for the automotive industry 

The GSR2 regulation is the automotive industry’s response to the rapid advancement of cutting-edge technologies and the growing consumer demand for safer, smarter vehicles.

However, this regulation also introduces economic challenges for both manufacturers and customers. The integration of new equipment leads to higher production costs, which in turn increases retail prices.

Automotive manufacturers will need to invest significantly in research and development to successfully integrate these new safety technologies into their vehicle models. The future viability of several models will depend on their adaptability to these new requirements.

This regulation represents a major milestone at the European level in terms of improving road safety, while also posing fresh challenges for the automotive sector.

From the bodybuilders' perspective

At Lecapitaine, we are fully committed to complying with the GSR2 regulation by adapting our vehicle bodies and options to meet the various regulations in force. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with manufacturers to offer solutions that align with these new standards.

This is particularly the case for blind spot detection, where we systematically install the manufacturer’s reversing camera on light commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles in order to comply with manufacturer homologation requirements.

While the placement of safety systems is subject to regulation, we also offer complementary solutions, such as additional cameras or sensors. This allows us to ensure that our vehicles are compliant with both GSR2 requirements and the individual needs of our clients.