New research shows future of road technology could stop 78 per cent of crashes in Victoria

Hi-tech cars could reduce crashes on Victorian roads by almost 80 per cent, a new study has found.

Smart cars capable of talking to other parts of the road and warning drivers of hazards could reduce crashes in Victoria by almost 80 per cent, a new study has found.

A joint project from the University of Melbourne, iMove, ITS Australia and other major players in the transport sector has analysed 15 years of crash data across the state.

The research found a majority of Victoria’s accidents, 78 per cent, could have been prevented with the type of connected technology now being rolled out in the newer model cars.

Majid Sarvi from Melbourne University with the movement sensors that will track people, trams, cars, bicycles. Picture: Jay Town

The University of Melbourne’s head of transport technologies, Professor Majid Sarvi, said smart cars were no longer a futuristic dream, with models being built for the next generation of roads.

But he said the safety benefits would only be fully realised if governments built infrastructure to match.

“This is something we can do today, we don't have to wait for anything,” he said.

“We need to consider this technology and make sure it can save lives.

“Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) bring in another layer that provide a much better method of protection for all road users.

“A red light sensor could issue a warning that prevents a collision and a majority accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists could also be limited by controlling intersections.”

Prof Sarvi said regional roads, which are over-represented in the state’s road trauma figures, could also become safer with hi-tech warnings about curve speeds

“Traffic jams would also take a hit, with our research showing congestion would drop by 11 per cent if 30 per cent of cars were fitted with this technology,” he said.

It comes as the University of Melbourne continues to develop its Australian Integrated Multimodal Ecosystem, a trail network that allows com­puters to solve traffic problems and improved safety.

iMove managing director Ian Christensen said smart cars and smart roads would bring significant economic and social benefits.

“C-ITS is a technology whose time has arrived,” he said.

“Based on research not only by our research partners in Australia but all around the world we know lives will be saved if this technology is implemented widely.”

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