euroFOT study demonstrates how driver assistance systems can increase safety and fuel efficiency across Europe

Brussels, 26 June 2012 - Today, the euroFOT consortium published the findings of a four-year study focused on the impact of driver assistance systems in the Europe. The €22 million European Field Operational Test (euroFOT) project which began in June 2008 and involved 28 companies and organisations, was led by Aria Etemad from Ford’s European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany. The study looked at existing technologies and their potential to both enhance safety and reduce environmental impact. euroFOT also revealed a link between these systems and improvements in driver behaviour, fuel efficiency and traffic safety, as well as overall cost savings.

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The first large-scale European Field Operational Test on Active Safety Systems

Road transport in Europe faces enormous challenges. Demand for personal mobility is increasing, and in the meantime imposing a high cost on society. More than 40,000 people die every year and more than 1.2 million are injured on European roads.

In addition, transport emissions threaten our health, negatively affect the environment, and make a significant and growing contribution to climate change, while constant traffic congestion imposes delays and raises costs for every European citizen.

Vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers, institutes and other stakeholders have joined forces in a "smart drive" to test various intelligent in-vehicle systems across Europe, with the aim of making our road transport safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. The large-scale European Field Operational Test on Active Safety Systems (euroFOT) is a research project supported by European funds, involving 28 organisations.

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