Road deaths prompt action call on tech use

We must start thinking now about how to make use of technology for immediate improvements in road safety.

That’s the opening message from Intelligent Transport Systems New Zealand (ITS NZ) chairman David Vinsen to its T-Tech19 conference in Christchurch on May 6 and 7.

“Something needs to change,” says Vinsen reflecting on April’s 49 road deaths, the worst for that month in 10 years.

Vinsen, who is also the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) chief executive officer, says safety is the most important focus, and ITS NZ is looking into how technology can help create safer roads, infrastructure, vehicles, speeds and drivers.

Last week, the ITS NZ board met to discuss developing a specific strategy for road safety, says Vinsen, adding it is deeply concerned about the fatal crashes.

“Autonomous vehicles are the way in the future,” says Vinsen. “But that’s a utopian future –what about now? How can we use technology to improve road safety?”

AA members recently surveyed showed an overwhelming number want to see technology used for road safety applications, he says.

“ITS NZ now seeks to encourage examination of all solutions that will help create a safer, more sustainable and efficient transport network, including new business models, behaviours and technology-enabled solutions.”

Vinsen says ITS NZ aims to provide leadership and drive the future transport conversation.

ITS NZ was traditionally about civil and traffic engineers, consultant and specialist technology companies, but now it’s about mobility service providers, he says, adding it aims to reach new levels of professionalism and international engagement.

The three main focus points are efficiency, sustainability and safety, Vinsen says.

The aim of the conference is to promote the development of effective transport technology and help New Zealand adopt better transport solutions.

Vinsen praises the host city Christchurch as “progressive”, seeking to test and adopt innovative solutions.