The impact of airbags, electronic stability control, and autonomous emergency braking on Australian light vehicle fatalities: methodology and findings
Keywords: Vehicle Design & Testing
ACRS
Submission Date: 2015 Conference: ARSC
Abstract
This paper will present estimates of the current and potential impact of airbags, electronic stability control, and autonomous emergency braking on fatalities in light vehicle crashes._x000D_
_x000D_This analysis draws on a number of sources to provide estimates and projections of the proportion of the light vehicle fleet equipped with these technologies. It combines these with estimates of the impact of each technology to provide estimates and projections of the impact on fatalities._x000D_
It is estimated that frontal airbags have reduced light vehicle fatalities by 13 per cent, side airbags by 4 per cent, and electronic stability control by 6 per cent to 2014. It is also predicted that the impacts of side airbags and electronic stability control will increase significantly as newer vehicles filter through the fleet, and that autonomous emergency braking will begin to lead to significant fatality reductions. Combined, these technologies are predicted to reduce fatalities a further 30 per cent by 2033._x000D_
This paper draws on the underlying research in BITRE Information Sheet 68 and Report 140 and provides a more in-depth description of the data and research methodology. The paper will be of relevance to those engaged with road safety policy, and to other researchers_x000D_