The Australian Federal Government has begun investigating the widespread applications of Lane Keeping Systems (LKS) for new cars.
LKS technology in vehicles can warn drivers if their vehicle is approaching the edge of the lane and even intervene, steering the vehicle back on track if the driver does not make any action.
This new safety technology is designed to prevent often deadly crashes such as head-on collisions, side swipes and single car accidents.
“These types of crashes result in 55 per cent of all road fatalities, and this number increases to 72 per cent at highway speeds,” Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Kevin Hogan said.
“Our Government is committed to saving lives by improving road safety through record investments, leadership and supporting the uptake of new safety technologies.
“We are now kicking off consultations to explore the case for introducing a new mandatory standard for LKS to be installed in all new light vehicles in the Australian market, which includes passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles.
“A mandate could reduce the number of fatal light vehicle crashes by 11.9 per cent, saving 6,989 lives, and avoid around 23,648 serious and 7,385 minor injuries over 35 years.
“A new standard for LKS is also expected to return a net benefit of around $2.44 billion to the Australian economy over the same timeframe.”
This potential new standard for vehicles entering the market follows the introduction of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems for new passenger and light-goods vehicle models, which you can read more about here.
