This presentation deals with the evolution and the development of driver assistance systems in road vehicles, electronic braking system management serving as a basis and platform, with some emphasis on commercial vehicles. Available basic data on accidents in the European Union (EU) will be analyzed and the requirements by the EU Commission regarding future road safety explained. The data on accidents from various credible sources are demonstrating the necessity for driver assistance systems and their benefits. The global activities regarding driver assistance systems will be discussed and an outlook for future potential technical progress, both in active and passive safety, will be provided.