New vehicles will be required to feature an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), a system that makes abrupt braking far more noticeable to motorists travelling behind.

In contrast to conventional brake lights, which remain steadily illuminated when the brakes are applied, the ESS activates the rear brake lights in a rapid-flashing sequence during severe stops.

The purpose is to attract attention more quickly and give following drivers additional time to react, helping to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Emergency situations

This technology, which uses the vehicle’s electronic systems and sensors to continuously monitor factors such as speed, braking force, ABS activation and deceleration rate, is intended only for genuine emergencies rather than everyday braking.

If the car is travelling above 50km/h and slows abruptly at a rate exceeding 6 metres per second squared, the flashing brake lights are triggered automatically.

Flashing lights have long been established by road safety experts to capture a driver’s attention more effectively than a constant light source, as even a fraction of a second gained in reaction time can make a significant difference, particularly on motorways or high-speed roads where stopping distances are much greater.

According to figures cited by technology publication Pplware, the system could shorten the stopping distance of the vehicle behind by an average of 4.5 metres in emergency braking situations, and that additional space may be enough to prevent a collision altogether or substantially reduce the severity of the impact.

Advanced assistance

This requirement applies only to newly sold vehicles, not affecting cars already on the road, and existing owners will not be expected to retrofit the technology, nor will there be any penalties for driving without it.

Instead, the feature will become standard as manufacturers introduce new models that comply with the updated European regulations.

The Emergency Stop Signal forms part of a broader package of mandatory advanced driver assistance systems introduced by the European Union to improve vehicle safety, as other technologies already required on new cars include Intelligent Speed Assistance, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane departure warning systems, reversing detection aids, event data recorders – commonly referred to as “black boxes” – and preparations for alcohol interlock devices.