Austroads report: Life-saving automatic crash notification systems in Australia and NZ

Austroads has released a new research report that explores options for the implementation of Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) systems in Australia and New Zealand. These systems automatically alert emergency responders when a crash occurs, transmitting critical data such as location, time, and severity to speed up emergency response and save lives.

ACN technology is rapidly becoming embedded in new vehicles across Australia and New Zealand, alongside smart devices like smartphones and smartwatches that offer crash notification capabilities. However, the implementation of these systems is still fragmented and lacks the scale needed to fully realise their life-saving potential.

Joanne Vanselow, Austroads Program Manager for Vehicles & Technology, said, “This report is incredibly timely. With the rapid uptake of ACN technologies in new vehicles and smart devices, governments and agencies need a clear understanding of ACN technology options to inform future coordination to scale these systems and maximise their safety benefits.”

The report outlines the current landscape of ACN services in the region, the benefits they bring, estimated implementation costs, and draws lessons from international approaches, notably the European Union’s mandated eCall system, which has been compulsory for new vehicles since 2018. While European deployment provides a useful benchmark, the report highlights the unique challenges and opportunities facing Australia and New Zealand’s vast and varied road networks.

“Understanding the specific needs of our emergency response systems and the roles of different stakeholders is crucial,” Joanne said. “This research is unique in its comprehensive review of technology, policy options, and implementation pathways specifically tailored to our region’s conditions.”

The report stresses that decisions on how to deploy ACN will impact the scale and effectiveness of these systems, touching on government involvement, costs, and uptake by vehicle manufacturers and consumers. Importantly, it calls for further consultation with stakeholders, clear definition of roles, and a detailed cost-benefit analysis to select the best approach.

“ACN systems hold tremendous promise to reduce response times, especially in rural and remote areas where emergency assistance can take longer to arrive,” Joanne added. “This report provides the foundation for governments to make informed, coordinated decisions that will ultimately save lives.”

As next steps, Austroads recommends evaluating the benefits and costs of mandating ACN in new vehicles, upgrading emergency call systems, standardising data sharing, and aligning with international standards. The goal is a consistent, effective ACN ecosystem that enhances road safety across Australia and New Zealand.