The research found:
- A key technology already available is Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) systems, which can alert emergency devices to a crash and provide critical information such as vehicle type and crash location, reducing response times by improving crash discovery and notification times.
- There is currently no evidence to prove the effectiveness of this technology, but it has been estimated to have the potential to reduce fatalities by up to 10.8% and could be especially useful in regional and remote areas.
- Barriers to using this technology are cost, uptake and acceptance, mobile network coverage, communication technology and emergency service availability.
Road safety benefit:
The research was beneficial to the extent that Government received a report giving an overview of available technology and other post-crash care initiatives for consideration. The report recommends that stakeholders be consulted to identify areas in post-crash care for improvement and the feasibility of mandatory first aid training for those applying or reapplying for a drivers/rider’s licence. The report also recommends further research to compare crash sites with mobile phone coverage and a potential trial of ACNs in Government vehicles operating in regional/remote areas.
