Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has underscored the importance of driver understanding and appropriate utilisation of onboard safety systems, following the release of some sobering statistics and new research into driver behaviour.
The most recent social impact statistics out of the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) reveal the social cost of Australian traffic incidents is estimated to range between $22.2 and $30.3 billion per year, with a base case estimate of $27.0 billion annually.
In real terms, this equates to a 12 per cent annual increase compared to 2006, the year of the last Australian costing study.
Further compounding concerns, new research highlighted by insurer, AAMI’s annual Crash Index indicates a worrying trend among motorists. The study found that one in five Australian drivers admit to deliberately switching off safety features in their vehicles, with common complaints being that systems are too sensitive or intrusive.
IAL’s Head of Product Management and Chief Engineer, Simon Humphries, said 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,” Humphries said.
“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 emphasised that technology such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) or Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) 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 said.
“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 says its 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 said.
“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.”
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