Update on the road safety benefits of intelligent vehicle technologies: research in 2008-2009

Previously, a comprehensive range of 34 safety-related intelligent vehicle technologies (IVTs) has been evaluated for effectiveness in Australia, based on a business case model developed by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in Victoria. This paper reviews new literature from 2008-2009 regarding IVTs. An annotated bibliography of more than 150 documents, reports and published articles was constructed. No major new IVT was identified that could be added to the current list. While revised estimates of effectiveness could be undertaken, these would refine rather than cause major changes to rankings. There is little, if any, improved confidence in the estimates of effectiveness. Several European projects have attempted to develop methodologies for prioritizing IVT, however they are considered to rely too much on uncertain estimates of the potential benefits of the technology. The TAC methodology that uses a business-case approach is still regarded as the most robust approach in view of this uncertainty. Emerging issues identified included: the possibility of behavioural adaptation to IVTs by drivers; a trend by vehicle manufacturers to combine IVTs (either as a package of safety-related IVTs, or safety-related IVTs in combination with other communication, entertainment or information IVTs); an increased focus on conducting robust field operational testing of IVTs; and issues associated with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fitment and retrofitment of IVTs. It is recommended that IVT developments should continue to be generally monitored on a very regular basis, but it may be appropriate in future to also conduct specific studies to review particular vehicle types (e.g., cars, trucks, motorcycles) or individual IVTs.