EU-US Trade Deal Raises Road Safety Concerns as American Vehicles Set to Flood European markets
Brussels, Belgium – A quietly agreed-upon provision within a new EU-US trade framework is sparking alarm amongst road safety advocates and lobbying groups. The agreement, intended to ease trade barriers, introduces mutual recognition of automotive standards – meaning vehicles approved for use in the European union will automatically be approved in the United States, and vice versa, without requiring additional safety testing. While hailed as a win for former President Trump, who long criticized the limited presence of American car brands in europe, experts warn the move could have deadly consequences for European road users.
The deal paves the way for a significant influx of larger American vehicles – brands like Hummer, Chrysler, Dodge, and GMC - onto European roads. This prospect is particularly concerning given the stark differences in vehicle size and weight between American and European cars.
“By signing with the United States the mutual recognition of automotive standards, the European Union has brandished the white flag in terms of road safety,” stated Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Council for Transport Security (ECTS).”This is not a technical detail, but a political choice which favors the convenience of trade over the safeguard of human life.”
A Matter of Size and Safety
American vehicles, particularly pick-up trucks and SUVs, are typically significantly larger, heavier, and wider than their European counterparts. For example, a Ford F-150 can exceed 2 meters in width – comparable to a European utility vehicle. The average weight of new vehicles sold in the US surpasses 2 tonnes, while European vehicles average around 1.5 tonnes.
These dimensions pose a considerable risk to vulnerable road users. A higher hood,more massive front end,and increased weight all contribute to more severe outcomes in collisions with pedestrians and cyclists.
“Compulsory European requirements in terms of vital technologies, such as automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and pedestrian protection, have made our cars safer and our roads less deadly,” Avenoso explained. “None of these protections are guaranteed by American regulations. Authorizing the entry of American vehicles onto the European market constitutes a betrayal of European leadership in terms of security and will cost lives.”
Infrastructure Concerns Add to the Risk
Beyond the direct safety implications of vehicle design, the influx of larger vehicles raises concerns about Europe’s existing infrastructure. Many European streets, parking garages, bridges, and roads were designed for smaller vehicles. The addition of significantly wider cars could exacerbate existing traffic congestion and create new challenges for urban mobility.
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