Strategy #44
Collision Notification

Actively support the development, implementation, and operation of vehicle-based technologies that can accurately detect a collision, notify appropriate authorities, and provide the location of the collision along with other useful information.

Background

One of the emerging ITS success stories is the development and mass marketing of Mayday and similar devices. These are multi-purpose devices with a number of vehicle-based sensors and controls, a global positioning satellite (GPS) antenna to identify the vehicle’s location, and a communications system (typically cellular).

Actions

• Ensure that governmental and private service providers have updated law enforcement contact information to facilitate the transfer of accurate collision-related information to the responding agency. 
• Encourage local cellular service providers to improve coverage in rural or other areas with weak coverage.
• Procure CAD systems; include specifications that will interface with service providers or the vehicle itself. 
• Work with IACP, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and other interested groups to develop standards and specifications for Mayday devices and communication links.

Benefits

• Decreased response time to vehicle collisions and reduced morbidity. 
• Reduced emergency detection time. 
• Faster notification of emergency incidents.

Other Considerations

• Accuracy of the reported crash information is a concern. 
• Cost of the technology. 
• Increased skills, expertise and training for personnel to support and operate. 
• Accuracy and reliability of technology. 
• Potential increased support staff requirements, which may cause a reduction in existing personnel levels. 
• Inter-connectivity with other systems and privacy issues of shared systems.

• Continue to Strategy #45

• Return to Technology Strategies