Intelligent Transport Systems
The National Road Safety Strategy has estimated that a 2% reduction in Australia’s road fatality rate per 100,000 population by 2010 could be achieved through new technology to reduce human error.
The use of technology to reduce the role of human error in road crashes is increasing, particularly at the prestige end of the vehicle market. A range of intelligent vehicle applications like adaptive speed control, distance warning systems, collision warning systems, black box recording systems, seatbelt warning and alcohol ignition interlock devices, as well as other safety technologies are currently available and these technologies may spread to new vehicles over the next decades.
At the same time as technologies that have the potential to reduce road trauma are being developed, so too are other technologies that provide in-vehicle entertainment and information for drivers. While a range of technological advancements will be available in the future, the impact that these may have on the driver in terms of distraction is emerging as an area of concern among road safety practitioners.
Australian guidelines and design rules will be needed to ensure that in-vehicle devices in all new cars do not have a negative effect on road safety. With all of the in-vehicle safety devices that require driver interaction, it is important that motorists are not distracted from their primary task of driving safely.
Over recent years, road users have become used to having access to information about hazards, congestion and other traffic and safety issues through radio and variable message signs. In future, technology may be available to allow roadside-based Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to communicate with vehicles directly warning drivers of hazards, traffic conditions and/or delays. For this to happen, there will need to be compatibility between road-based ITS and in-vehicle ITS.
While there have been trials of many safety systems such as intelligent speed signs and warnings, their wider application depends on government investment in, and commitment to, using ITS technologies with proven road safety benefits.
