Jean Todt, former CEO of Ferrari, has been elected as President of eSafetyAware, the Brussels-based non-profit international organisation which promotes intelligent vehicle safety technologies.

As President, Todt will lead the campaign to promote consumer awareness of eSafety technologies like Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Following his appointment, Todt said: “The use of intelligent vehicle technologies will make cars safer than ever before. There is no reason why consumers shouldn’t benefit from these life saving eSafety systems. I am very pleased to join this work as I believe that there are many opportunities to be exploited when it comes to promotion of vehicle safety equipment which ultimately benefits the car users.”

In Europe alone almost 40,000 people are killed in traffic every year and more than one million injured. New cars today are much safer than they were 10-15 years ago thanks to improved crash test standards, crumple zones, seatbelts, and air bags which help protect occupants in a crash.

Under the latest technological developments, safety systems like ESC can prevent accidents from happening in the first place. If all cars in the EU used ESC it is estimated that at least 4,000 lives a year could be saved and more than 100,000 injuries avoided.

Currently just over half of new cars in the EU are equipped with ESC. In emerging vehicle markets like China, use of ESC is much lower and an even greater challenge is to increase awareness of the safety potential of eSafety technologies.

Todt has already participated in a number of events and launches across the world, in China, Argentina, and Denmark, in an effort to speed up and promote global eSafety deployment. Later this year, Todt will host the first-ever eSafety Challenge in Vallelunga, near Rome, Italy, featuring demonstrations by star drivers from the world of motor racing of technologies such as ESC, Blind Spots Monitoring, Lane Support Systems, Speed Alert, and Warning and Emergency Braking Systems.

eSafetyAware is supported by the FIA Foundation and receives financial support from the European Commission. It has 37 members from 15 countries. Member organisations include automobile clubs, national governments, industry representatives and road safety bodies.

It is a non-profit organisation established in Brussels to accelerate the market introduction of vehicle safety technologies by organising information campaigns and dedicated events. It aims to raise awareness of eSafety benefits among policy-makers and end-users.