Japan will adopt the highest level of active safety for trucks and buses when United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation No. 13 on “motor-vehicle braking systems” becomes effective in the country on 24 February 2013. This decision brings the number of countries applying UNECE Regulation No. 13 to 43.
With the entry into force of Regulation No. 13, the fitment of the Electronic Vehicle Stability Control feature will gradually become mandatory for all new trucks and buses manufactured in the country. This feature improves the safety of a vehicle by detecting and reducing loss of traction. When it detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help guide the vehicle where the driver intends to go. It also helps to reduce the risk of roll-over. This feature has been gradually introduced in Europe over the past decade.
Some 1,048 accidents with casualties involving trucks and buses occurred in Japan from January to November 2012, according to the National Police Agency. Over the same period, more than 400 fatal accidents occurred on curves on extra-urban roads, where Electronic Vehicles Stability Control features have a high potential to considerably enhance safety.
In addition to increasing safety, the entry into force of Regulation No. 13 will also facilitate trade on those vehicles between Japan and the other 42 countries applying the regulation.
Production in Japan in 2012
|
| Production 2012 (in units) |
| Buses |
|
| Large Buses | 1 0598 |
| Small Buses | 11 1622 |
| Total | 12 2220 |
| Trucks |
|
| Standard Truck Vehicles | 58 3074 |
| Small Trucks | 275 992 |
| Mini Trucks (under 660 cc) | 407 206 |
| Total | 1 266 272 |
Source: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA).
Note to editors
The World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) is a subsidiary body of UNECE, which has been developing vehicle regulations aimed at increasing vehicle safety and environmental performance for more than 50 years.
More than 50 countries, as well as vehicle manufacturers, consumers and road users, participate in the elaboration of these regulations, which are adopted by representatives of the countries under the so-called “1958 and 1998” Agreements.
Japan became contracting party to the 1958 Agreement in 1998. Since then, it has become a very active participant in WP.29, contributing to the definition of safer and more environmentally friendly vehicle regulations.
The requirements under UNECE Regulation No. 13 on the “Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to braking” are highly relevant for many primary systems installed on truck or buses. It is the most challenging regulation for research and development engineers designing trucks and busses.
43countries will be applying UNECE Regulation No. 13 as of February 2013, including the 27 members of the European Union and Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Japan, Malaysia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Serbia, South Africa, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine.