Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly at risk in traffic. Their share in the number of road deaths is correspondingly high: in the European Union it amounted to around 25 % in 2007. To reduce this number a new EU regulation was introduced that aims to “improve protection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users“. Since November 2009, brake assist systems have become mandatory for all new car and light commercial vehicle types in the EU. The regulation will apply to all new vehicles from February 2011. According to EU studies, up to 1,100 fatal accidents involving pedestrians could be prevented in Europe each year if all cars were equipped with braking assistance systems. The EU directive will not only make brake assist systems mandatory, it also foresees stricter regulations with regard to additional bumpers and frontal protection systems. In Japan and Korea similar regulations are planned or already in force. The aim is to reduce the risk of injury for accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Passive solutions involve design modifications to the vehicle in order to minimize the risk of injury to pedestrians. As an alternative, an active pedestrian protection system can fulfill the requirements with relatively little effort.

With the electronically controlled system for active impact protection for pedestrians, Bosch offers the automotive industry a solution that is as safe as it is cost-effective. This offers the impacting body a more efficient deformation zone and reduces the risk of injury.