History

The world’s first horse-drawn omnibuses (“carrosses à cinq sols”) enter service in Paris, although they are taken out of service again after just a few years.

Draisine, also known as ‘running machine’ (Fig. From approx. 1820). It was invented by the German Baron Karl von Drais in Mannheim in 1817. Being the first means of transport to make use of the two-wheeler principle, the Laufmaschine is regarded as the archetype of the bicycle.

Draisine, also known as ‘running machine’, is regarded as the archetype of the bicycle.

Foot pedal drive on frontwheel: Michaudine/velocipede

First use of solid rubber tires and spoon Bicycle, general brakes

Installation of the first traffic light system in the world in London. It was operated by gaslight and exploded after just a short time.

Michaux works with Perreaux to develop the first bicycle with an auxiliary engine.

The German inventor Carl Benz files the “Benz Patent-Motorwagen Number 1”, heralding the age of the modern internal combustion engine automobile.

"Benz Patent-Motorwagen Number 1" the first car with combustion engine.

J.B. Dunlop pneumatic tyre (re-invention).

First series motorcycle by Hildebrand & Wolfmüller

First regular service in Germany with a fuel-driven bus between Siegen and Netphen.

Ogden Bolton (USA) files first patent for “new and useful improvement in electrical bicycles”

Gottlieb Daimler sells his first motorized truck constructed by Wilhelm Maybach

Opening of the Paris Metro on the occasion of the World Exhibition.

The Paris Métro opened in 1900.

Carl Benz presents his first truck

The German inventor Otto Schulze develops the eddy-current tachometer for road vehicles and has it patented in Berlin. Automobile manufacturers install speedometers as standard from 1910.

The Brit Frederick W. Lanchester invents the disc brake and applies for a patent.

Construction of the oldest bicycle path in Germany, the Offenbacher Alleenring, begins in 1907; the path features a segregated cycling facility.

In the then German Reich a single driving licence is introduced, which is valid for the entire country (German Motor Vehicles Act).

In the then German Reich a single driving licence is introduced.

Büssing constructs a truck with a trailer attached (articulated truck) for long materials

Iron tires are banned in the German Reich to limit damage to the road surface; all trucks are fitted with rubber tires

1914 The world’s first pedestrian traffic light appeared in Cleveland, Ohio, whereas the first traffic light in Europe appeared in Copenhagen in 1933, and in Germany, such traffic lights didn’t start appearing until 1937 (in Berlin).

In 1915, the Autoped Company manufactures a pedal scooter powered by a combustion engine or electric motor; Krupp acquires the license and continues producing the model under the name “Krupp-Roller” in Germany from 1919 to 1922 (the first e-scooter).

The first automatic traffic signal is patented in the USA and the first traffic control tower is erected at an intersection in Detroit.

The first traffic control tower is erected at an intersection in Detroit.

1920s The first crossing guard units were formed to ensure safe street crossings in front of schools in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Omaha, Nebraska, among other cities in the US. Germany did not have official school crossing guards until 1953.

The Duesenberg Model A is the first vehicle with hydraulic brakes.

Engineers working for the Radio Air Service at the McCook aviation experimentation station in Dayton, Ohio, unveil to the public the first driverless, radio-controlled car.

Installation of Europe’s first threecoloured traffic light systems in Paris.

Chain drive triumphs over belt drive.

1924 Patent for pedestrian safety. A collision with a pedestrian would cause a type of scoop to move upwards, preventing the pedestrian from slipping from the vehicle onto the road after the collision and being run over. Then the pedestrian is caught by a net.

Deutscher KraffahrzeugÜberwachungsverein e. V. is founded in Berlin (today: DEKRA)

The League of Nations in Geneva adopts the Convention on the Standardisation of Road Signs. It is ratified by 18 countries, but not by Germany.

Europe’s first pedestrian light is installed in Copenhagen, Denmark. Pedestrian lights do not appear in Germany until 1937 (Berlin).

Europe´s first pedestrian light in Copenhagen.

1933 The first pedestrian traffic light in Europe is installed in Copenhagen.

Launch of the telescopic fork for BMW motorbikes – still the most common design today

The Berlinbased manufacturer Gaubschat unveils a passenger road train with corridor connection.

Installation of Europe’s first pedestrian lights in Berlin.

In May, the US magazine “Popular Science” publishes the first ever report on automated traffic of the future. It presents a vision of a world in which all cars follow electric cables that are buried beneath the pavements of superhighways and emit electromagnetic impulses that control the speed and direction of travel.

1938 DKW introduces the 125 ccm cubic capacity class as standard, followed by the development of larger capacity classes after the Second World War

The French tyre manufacturer Michelin patents the first radial tyre which is presented under the brand name Michelin-X in 1949.

Tyre manufacturer Michelin patens the first radial tyre.

First road markings with broken white lines in London.

1949 The pedestrian crosswalk or “zebra crossing” appears internationally for the first time in the Geneva Protocol on Road Signs and Signals.

Germany implements its first accident prevention measures.

First accident prevention measures

1951 Introduction of the vehicle inspection for motor vehicles in Germany. The purpose of the vehicle inspection is to ensure that the number of vehicles with technical safety defects on the road is as low as possible.

The Bundesanstalt für Straßenbau (BASt) is founded; it is renamed in 1965 as the Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (German Federal Highway Research Institute).

BASt-logo

The Hungarian Béla Barényi applies for a patent for his concept of a "rigid passenger cell with front and rear crumple zones".

Béla Barényi and his concept of a "rigid passenger cell with front and rear crumple".

Kässbohrer Fahrzeugwerke unveils the first modern articulated bus with a wide corridor between the front and rear carriage.

The Federal Office for the Long-Distance Carriage of Goods in Germany is established

In Germany legislation introduces the pedestrian crossing nationally for the first time in Section 26 of the road traffic regulations.

1953 In Germany, the use of crossing guards, officially referred to as “Verkehrshelfer” (traffic helpers) is introduced. The launch is the result of an initiative by several partners, including the “Deutsche Verkehrswacht” (German Road Safety Volunteer Organization).

The medical-psychological examination (MPU) of aptitude to drive is introduced in Germany.

Implementation of a MPU.

The world’s first mobile traffic radar unit is deployed for speed monitoring.

The central index of traffic offenders in Flensburg begins its work.

1959 Hood ornaments are generally forbidden in Germany. This ban does not last long. Today, hood ornaments have to yield. So the Mercedes star bends, and the Rolls-Royce “Spirit of Ecstasy” retracts abruptly at the slightest touch.

Mercedes-Benz launches the first car with a safety passenger cell on the market with the Mercedes 220 S/SE (W111).

A coordinated rescue service is introduced in Germany.

First coordinated rescue service in Germany.

Certified safety cabs are launched on the market in Sweden

The inspection sticker is introduced as proof that a main inspection has been carried out.

The inspection sticker is introduced.

Luigi Locati writes a summary of vehicle safety in which the distinction was made for the first time between active safety [sicurrezza attiva] and passive safety [sicurezza passiva].

Luud Schimmelpennink launches the first attempt at a bicycle sharing system in Amsterdam.

The first container (sea freight) is put ashore at the overseas port in Bremen

First mechanical ABS (Jensen FF with Dunlop Maxaret ABS).

The “Leber Plan”, named for Minister of Transport Georg Leber, introduces the mandatory wearing of safety belts in Germany, although this is not introduced in practice until, in 1974, it becomes mandatory for all new cars and light-duty trucks to be equipped with safety belts and, later, in 1984, fines are introduced for the non-wearing of mandatory safety belts on the front seats of cars.

Georg Leber

The International Conventions on Road Traffic and on Road Signs and Signals are signed in Vienna.

In London, the Victoria Line enters service as the world’s first fully automatic, computer-controlled underground railway line.

Development of the Trott helmet by Karl-Heinz Trott (first bicycle helmet for mass sports)

First mass-produced motorcycle with disk brakes (Honda CB 750 Four).

First mass-produced motorcycle with disk brakes.

First motorcycle with front hydraulic disc brakes (Honda CB750 Four)

The “European Enhanced Vehicle-Safety Committee” (EEVC), which focuses on preregulatory research, is founded as a European counterpart to the US ESV program. The EEVC developed, for example, the testing and inspection procedure for occupant protection in front and side collisions and the component tests for pedestrian protection.

The first headlights with a twin filament halogen bulb (H4) are fitted on vehicles for dipped and full beam.

Twin filament halogen bulb (H4) for dipped and full beam.

Introduction of the 0.8 per mille drink-drive limit for the blood alcohol concentration value.

Introduction of the 0.8 per mille drink-drive limit.

At Hannover Medical School, the BASt launches the “Accident Scene Studies” project (the predecessor of the “German In-Depth Accident Study” [GIDAS]).

From 1st January, three-point safety belts are mandatory for front seats in newly licensed cars in the Federal Republic of Germany. The seat belt obligation for back seats in all new cars comes into force on 1st May 1979. A warning fine is issued for not wearing the seat belt from 1st August 1984.

From 1974, three-point safety belts are mandatory for front seats.

In Japan, Konuske Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, unveils an e-bike.

Wearing a helmet becomes a legal requirement in Germany for motorcycles > 20 km/h, extended to mopeds and small mopeds in 1978

DEKRA publishes its first journal, “Technische Mängel an Kraftfahrzeugen” [Technical Defects on Motor Vehicles].

The first journal of Technical Defects on Motor Vehicles.

1978 Beginning of the “Child and Traffic” program by the German Road Safety Council.

The “Children and Traffic” program initiated by the German Road Safety Council (DVR) is launched.

A scientific working party of the Universities of Aachen, Berlin, Stuttgart and Darmstadt launches the UNI-CAR research project. The vehicle already had a ‘soft face’, which covered the entire front section, and kept the loads of an impacted pedestrian under tolerable biomechanical limits up to a speed of 45 km/h.

First hydraulic anti-dive systems for individual motorcycles launched by Kawasaki and Garelli; shortly followed by series production by Suzuki and Yamaha

1980 Introduction of traffic-calming areas in the Road Traffic Act in Germany.

Introduction of traffic-calmed zones into the German Road Traffic Act.

Introduction of traffic-calmed zones into the German Road Traffic Act.

First German car fitted with an airbag (Mercedes-Benz S Class).

First German car fitted with an airbag.

Hydraulic anti-drive system (Japan).

1980s First attempts to design the front ends of vehicles in consideration of pedestrian safety.

From July, Mercedes-Benz offers a vehicle with airbag as standard for the first time in the S-Class (W 126).

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 126) with airbag.

ABS is used in a truck for the first time

Motorcycle with its in-line 4-cylinder engine mounted lengthways, fuel injection and integrated leg guards (BMW K 100); also the basis for safety motorcycle studies (HUK Verband, DEKRA)

Motorcycle with its in-line 4-cylinder engine mounted lengthways, fuel injection and integrated leg guards.

Testing of 30 km/h speed limit zones in pilot projects in Germany.

Testing of 30 km/h speed limit zones in pilot projects.

August 1984: Introduction of fines for not complying with the seat belt regulation in Germany.

Fines for not complying with the seat belt regulation.

The “driving licence on probation” is introduced in Germany.

The “driving licence on probation” is introduced in Germany.

After several more or less unsuccessful attempts in various European cities, the car-sharing model has its première in Zurich. Since then this kind of car use has been introduced into many cities, not just in Europe.

The car-sharing model has its première in Zurich.

A 90 km/h speed limit is introduced on rural roads in Italy.

BMW presents the first series motorcycle with ABS with the K100.

First BMW motorcycle K100 with ABS.

Anti-lock braking system for motorcycles (BMW K 100)

The Dangerous Goods Advisor Ordinance is introduced in Germany

Since 1990 the roundabout has experienced a renaissance as a traffic regulating measure for greater safety on German rural roads. 50 percent of all roundabouts worldwide are located in France.

Roundabouts as a traffic regulating measure for greater safety in rural roads.

“Vision Zero” is applied for the first time in Sweden in the field of road traffic. Basic philosophy: People make mistakes, therefore the traffic system must be designed so that it allows for mistakes without endangering the lives of road users.

First use of the pedelec principle (Yamaha Power Assist System)

Introduction of the vehicle inspection in France. New vehicles have to be presented for the first time after four years, then every two years afterwards.

Introduction of vehicle inspection in France.

Traction control for motorcycles (Honda Pan European)

The BASt (“Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen” – “Federal Highway Research Institute”) report entitled “Road Traffic Safety Analysis” is published

A navigation system is installed as standard for the first time (BMW 7 series).

A navigation system is installed as standard for the first time.

“Vision Zero” is applied for the first time to road traffic in Sweden (target: zero traffic fatalities and zero serious injuries).

1995 “Vision Zero” is applied to road traffic for the first time in Sweden. The declared aim: zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries.

The world’s first successful bicycle renting system is launched in Copenhagen, with a pool of 300 bikes

First motorcycle to be fitted with a combined braking system, ABS, and traction control (Honda ST 1100)

Breakthrough for the ESP with the “elk test” with the A Class.

Euro NCAP publishes first crash test results.

Cover of the Euro Ncap Crash Tests.

1997 Euro NCAP introduces pedestrian safety ratings that explicitly include children’s safety.1995 “Vision Zero” is applied to road traffic for the first time in Sweden. The declared aim: zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries.

The first sign with a “Black Spot”, which stands for particularly dangerous roads, is placed on Rural Road 2 near Blonie in Poland on 7th September. 20 more signs follow in the same year.

1998 The “European Enhanced Vehicle-Safety Committee Working Group 17” publishes its final report. The focus on pedestrian safety increases considerably.

In Paris, the new driverless Métro line 14 opens.

Introduction of the 0.5 per mill limit (without driving ban) in Germany. As of 1st April 2001 there will be driving bans and people will lose their driving licence if they have a blood alcohol level of more than 0.5 per mill.

On October 1, it becomes mandatory for all newly registered coaches to be fitted with safety belts. Where safety belts are prescribed, it is also mandatory to wear them. The wearing of safety belts in coaches and long-distance buses becomes mandatory at EU level in May 2006.

The EU Regulation on the right to drive enters into force.

BMW launches the C1, the first and so far only two-wheeler in the world that protects the rider in an accident by means of a surrounding structure (aluminum space-frame design) and safety belt. The C1 can, therefore, also be ridden without a helmet.

Two-wheeler C1 with aluminum space-frame-design.

BMW C1, the first two-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed design to protect the driver

The first color head-up display is installed in the Chevrolet Corvette.

Since 2001, initially in the Mercedes CL, xenon high beam in the so-called bi-xenon headlamps. The same bulb is used for the dipped beam and high beam light. A shutter covering the beam path for the dipped beam is folded away and therefore the beam path is ‘switched’ to a high beam.

First series-production model with lane guard system (Nissan Cima).

A road safety program is developed in Austria.

DVR launches the “Hats geklickt?” [“all clicked in?”] belt campaign

Mercedes introduces the preventative occupant safety system PRE-SAFE in the S-Class (W220).

The ROSEBUD road safety project funded by the EU Commission is launched. A range of methods for assessing the economic impact of road safety measures is compiled and refined.

Use of radar speed checks in France.

Introduction of the city congestion charge in London.

BMW becomes the first European manufacturer to introduce the head-up display, installing it in the 5 and 6 Series.

On November 17, the European Parliament and Council of the European Union enact Directive 2003/102/ EC for the protection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. This stipulates that the front ends of cars must undergo a series of component crash tests to verify that certain biomechanical limits are not exceeded. The impactors used during testing represent the parts of a pedestrian’s body that are most at risk of injury (head, pelvis and leg). Since October 2005, newly certified vehicle types are required to undergo testing in this way.

Approval of the “Euskirchen” system. It offers impacting motorcyclists better protection. Building on this, DEKRA developed the “Euskirchen Plus” system on behalf of BASt. It offers even better impact protection, even for occupants of cars travelling at greater speeds.

The “Towards Zero Deaths” road safety program is launched in the US state of Minnesota.

The EU Commission launches the European Road Safety Charter. The declared objective is to halve the number of road deaths by 2010 compared to 2001.

The EU Commission launches the European Road Safety Charter.

From 1st April infringements of the mobile phone ban behind the wheel are punishable by a fine of EUR 40 and a penalty point in Flensburg.

DEKRA road safety mobile phone ban behind the wheel 2004

2005 European Directive (2003/102/EC) on the design of the front end of vehicles for the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users becomes effective.

2006 First production vehicle with active hood (Jaguar XK).

The Finnish road safety program “Road Safety 2006-2010” is launched.

Daimler presents the “Safety Truck” with distancecontrol system, lane assistant, Stability Control Assist and Active Brake Assist (ABA)

Motorcycle airbag (Honda Gold Wing)

The ETAC study on the fundamental causes of traffic accidents involving trucks is published

The DARPA Urban Challenge – an international competition for unmanned vehicles in an urban environment – takes place in the USA.

2008 Since April 8, only child seats that have been successfully tested according to ECE 44/03 or higher may be used in Germany.

Germany´s first fully automatic, driverless underground railway travels through Nuremberg.

Primeiro sistema “brake-by-wire” (Honda CBR 600/1000)

Electronic vehicle stability control systems (EVSC) – referred to as “ESP” or “ESC” – become compulsory for all new road vehicles (from cars to heavy buses as well as trucks and their trailers) from November 1, 2014, and from November 1, 2011, for vehicles with a new type approval certificate

Daytime running lights become mandatory in the EU for all new cars and trucks.

Daytime running lights become mandatory for all new cars and trucks.

In the “Road Safety Guidelines 2011–2020”, the European Commission formulates its goal to halve the number of traffic fatalities between 2010 and 2020.

All new vehicle models launched on the market in Europe must be fitted with ESP as standard since 1st November. Mandatory ESP then applies to all new cars from November 2014.

Mandatory ESP applies to all new cars.

Citroën launches the first carsharing programme that exclusively uses electric vehicles in Germany with "Multicity" in Berlin.

Citroën launches the first carsharing programme with "Multicity" in Berlin.

Field tests involving long trucks are launched in Germany under the direction of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development; the tests address various safety issues

The pedestrian airbag from Volvo wins the "Future" special award at the AutoScout24 portal´s 11st Internet Auto Awards.

The pedestrian airbag from Volvo wins the "Future" special award.

2013 ECE/UN Regulation no. 129, which states that child seats must be based on the size of the child and must have an ISOFIX attachment, becomes effective. The manufacturers themselves can determine the size range for which the seat is suitable. This regulation also requires certified child seats to allow children up to 15 months old to be transported only facing rearwards (corresponding to class 0+ of ECE-R 44).

New trucks and buses in the EU must be equipped with “lane departure warning systems” (LDWS) and “advanced emergency braking systems” (AEBS). This ruling initially applies only to commercial vehicles with compressed-air brakes and a permissible overall weight of > 8 t with a compressed-airassist system for the rear axle(s); from November 1, 2016, for all new commercial vehicles and from November1, 2018, for all new commercial vehicles with a permissible overall weight of > 3.5 t

The “Vision Zero Action Plan” is launched in New York City by mayor Bill de Blasio.

Mayor Bill de Blasio.

From November 1, all new road vehicles – including everything from cars to heavy buses and trucks and their trailers – in the EU must be equipped with electronic vehicle stability control (EVSC), generally known as ESP or ESC. This requirement has already been in place for newly type-approved vehicles since November 1, 2011. This equipment requirement is based on EU regulation no. 661/2009.

November 2014: Mandatory ESP applies to all new cars.

Mandatory ESP applies to all new cars.

Electronic Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), KTM 1190 Adventure in partnership with Bosch

ESP is mandatory for all new cars in the EU since 1st November.

In September, a section of the A9 highway in Germany becomes a designated “test track” for automated and networked driving.

End of the field test involving long trucks in Germany

2017 In France, a law requiring children under the age of 12 to wear a helmet on their bicycles becomes effective.

Start of the e-scooter boom in the EU and the USA

E-scooters approved for use on German roads from June 2019. Regulations: Type approval, maximum speed 20 km/h, minimum age 14, no drivers’ license required