As we head into a new year, Australia’s road trauma and the need to improve road safety is back in the headlines. Consistent with past strategies, national campaigns focused on speed, driver distraction and alcohol have been rolled out.
Australian governments also continue to back their Vision Zero strategy – with the aim of achieving zero road deaths or serious injuries by 2050. But as we reflect on the latest road trauma figures, it is time to question whether this strategy is working and what role new technologies can play.
Thankfully, technology in vehicles continues to advance. This includes the growth of AI and connected vehicle technologies including emergency call (eCall). These emerging technologies present an opportunity to not only educate drivers about their benefits, but to also reduce Australia’s road trauma.
Emergency call, or eCall, automatically makes an emergency call if your vehicle is involved in a crash. When triggered, it contacts either a third-party service or emergency services directly, giving the location of the vehicle and critical information like speed of the vehicle on impact, and how many seatbelts in the vehicle were in use.
Survey signals growing appetite for eCall availability
Intelematics, in partnership with RACV, recently conducted a national survey to determine how aware consumers are of life saving vehicle technologies like physical SOS buttons or Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) which are key components of eCall. The survey, which spoke to 500 drivers, revealed that only 1 in 10 Australians are aware of eCall technology.
ACN uses a car’s built-in cellular connection or a paired phone to immediately alert first responders of a crash. An SOS button in a vehicle can also be manually pressed in the event of an accident to alert emergency services – increasing the speed and appropriate emergency services department. Both technologies have a critical role to play in helping to improve road safety outcomes.
Data shows that eCall tech will save lives on Aussie roads
European data shows that eCall can speed up emergency response times by between 40 and 50 per cent. The same data estimates that eCall could help prevent 2,500 road deaths and save EUR 26 billion every year (EUSPA, 2020).
Key findings in our survey were that one-in-five Australians consider crash detection and in-vehicle SOS emergency functionality crucial for their next vehicle purchase. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents also said they valued ACN technology. ACN and SOS were seen as particularly important in times of emergency – compared to other technologies.
The gap in consumer awareness around these safety technologies could cost lives, but as consumer awareness grows, and the value of the technology is experienced by vehicle owners, we expect its adoption to increase.
A turning point for the Australian automotive industry
Vehicle manufacturers have a critical role to play in the adoption of these life-saving technologies. Toyota and Lexus have made eCall widely available to its customers since 2020, as part of the company’s connected services platforms. However, not all vehicle manufacturers offer the same eCall features and services and many that are available on the Australian market do not stack up to global leading European eCall standards.
Governments also have an important role to play and the Federal Government is in the process of assessing whether eCall is right for Australian roads. Industry bodies including the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the National Emergency Communications Work Group have also expressed their support for eCall in the absence of a regulatory mandate.
Looking ahead, a turning point for Australia is on the horizon. ANCAP plans to assess eCall functions in its future test and assessment protocols. This inclusion is pivotal as it aligns with global safety initiatives and acknowledges eCall’s life saving potential. This regulatory push will see more automotive manufacturers looking to adopt eCall services and raise awareness of its benefits to customers – if they want to achieve a 5-star rating.
Need for innovation and integration is critical
As Australia grapples with rising road fatalities and critical injuries, the need for innovative solutions to enhance road safety has never been more critical. With growing consumer demand and an evolving automotive landscape, it is imperative for vehicle manufacturers and government bodies to prioritise the integration and availability of these technologies.
Embracing eCall, alongside other advanced vehicle safety technologies, will align Australia with global best practices and move Australia on step closer to achieving Vision Zero by 2050. As we move into the new year, fostering awareness and encouraging the adoption of such life-saving technology will be essential in our ongoing quest to make Australian roads safer for all.
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