In the wake of recent data that suggests traffic incidents are costing Australians up to $30 billion each year, one truck OEM has discussed how new safety systems can curb these costs.
The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) has revealed the social cost of Australian traffic incidents is estimated to be between $22.2 and $30.3 billion each year, with a base case estimate of $27 billion annually.
This equates to a 12 per cent annual increase compared to 2006, when the last Australian costing study was conducted.
This joins recent research from insurer AAMI in its annual Crash Index that found that one in five Australian drivers admit to deliberately switching off safety features in their vehicles due to them being too sensitive or intrusive.
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has underscored the critical importance of driver understanding and appropriate utilisation of onboard safety systems, following the release of the new research into driver behaviour.
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Isuzu Australia head of product management and chief engineer Simon Humphries says these findings highlight a significant challenge for the broader automotive industry.
“The statistics in this space just aren’t improving and stand as a stark reminder of why we, as an industry OEM, undertake significant research and development into evolving and integrating advanced safety technology into our vehicles,” he says.
“However, AAMI’s research reveals a more dangerous disconnect. The most sophisticated safety system in the world is rendered completely useless if it’s switched off or misunderstood by the operator behind the wheel. It’s like having a life jacket but choosing not to wear it.”
Taking into consideration variables such as repair cost, workplace and household loss as well medical related costs, the government data also looked at the incident type, with some unexpected results.
The overwhelming crash type across both metropolitan and regional areas and accounting for a large slice of the total social impact, were crashes where vehicles involved were heading in the same direction. Due to their higher incidence, particularly in major cities, they account for $8.7 billion or 32 per cent of total costs.
Humphries emphasises that technology such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) or Lane Keeping Assist Systems, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) are designed to act as a ‘co-pilot,’ supporting the driver and providing a critical safety net.
“These systems are not a replacement for attentive, skilled driving. They are a supplement. They’re in place to assist in a moment of misjudgement, fatigue, or when reacting to an unpredictable hazard,” he says.
“When a driver disables these systems, they are voluntarily removing that layer of protection for themselves and everyone else on the road.
“As a collective, we need to shift the mindset from seeing these features as ‘nanny systems’ to understanding them as essential, life-saving tools.”
Isuzu’s approach to safety extends beyond just fitting the technology to its vehicles by investing heavily in ensuring operators and drivers are equipped with the knowledge to use these systems effectively.
“Our philosophy is that technology and training must go hand-in-hand,” Humphries says.
“Through our dealer network and customer handover training approach, we emphasise the function and benefit of every safety system on our vehicles.
“It’s about building confidence so that drivers feel supported by the technology, not annoyed by it. Ultimately, it’s this combination of advanced engineering and informed utilisation that will create a safer environment for all road users.”