Euro NCAP, the independent European body responsible for assessing vehicle safety, continues to tighten its requirements with new protocols aimed at improving occupant safety and reducing the risks associated with human behaviour. UTAC is proud to have actively contributed to the working groups, with the participation of our experts, to develop these protocols which will come into force shortly and will bring significant changes to the industry.
The new protocols include :
- Occupant Monitoring, which will be applied in 2026. This protocol enhances the safety of vehicle occupants, in particular by detecting the presence and correct positioning of passengers, but also by adapting restraint systems according to their morphology.
- Driver Monitoring, also planned for 2026, specifically targets driver behaviour. This protocol assesses the ability of vehicles to detect signs of fatigue, distraction or inattention by analysing the driver’s movements and expressions. The aim is to quickly identify any loss of alertness and trigger alerts, or even assistance, to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Child Presence Detection, which will be introduced in early 2025, assesses the ability of vehicles to detect the presence of a child left inside the vehicle and other dangers. The vehicles assessed must be capable of detecting the presence of a child and, in the absence of action by the adult, triggering alerts or even notifications to third parties to guarantee the child’s safety.
These new protocols embody Euro NCAP’s commitment to enhanced safety for all, taking into account the risks associated with human behaviour and offering protection, particularly for the most vulnerable passengers such as children.
UTAC is able to support manufacturers and equipment suppliers in the development of their systems to meet Euro NCAP standards, ensuring that their innovations comply with the most rigorous safety standards.
