Skip to main content

New driver video systems could cut crashes

A study into new technologies by The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) in the US reveals that advanced video systems could cut crashes. VTTI’s report analysed collisions involving heavy trucks and buses and found that Lytx’s video-based driver safety system could save lives and reduce injuries. The study concluded that heavy trucks and buses using the DriveCam powered by Lytx Program could reduce fatalities, collisions and injuries. “If driver behavior is the primary reason for traffic crashes,
May 13, 2014 Read time: 3 mins
A study into new technologies by The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) in the US reveals that advanced video systems could cut crashes. VTTI’s report analysed collisions involving heavy trucks and buses and found that Lytx’s video-based driver safety system could save lives and reduce injuries. The study concluded that heavy trucks and buses using the DriveCam powered by Lytx Program could reduce fatalities, collisions and injuries. “If driver behavior is the primary reason for traffic crashes, then approaches that pinpoint and focus on reducing risky driving behavior are likely to be the most effective in reducing crashes,” said Dr Jeffrey Hickman in the study. “Motor vehicle crashes are often predictable and preventable. Yet, many drivers choose to behave in ways that put themselves and others at risk for a vehicle crash and/or serious injuries. The most efficacious onboard safety monitoring systems use in-vehicle video technology to gather driving behaviors that can be addressed and corrected, reducing future crash risk.”

“The results of this study underscore our mission - we harness the power of video, predictive analytics and cloud technologies to prevent collisions, save lives and transform businesses,” said Brandon Nixon, Lytx chairman and CEO. “Someone dies in a vehicle collision in the US every 15 minutes. The sad truth is that 90% of these tragedies are due to human error and are avoidable. We’re dedicated to using our technology to help professional drivers adopt safer driving habits and measurably reduce the risk that is happening on our roads every day.”

The study, which was commissioned by Lytx, was conducted by Jeffrey S Hickman, the group leader for the Behavioral Analysis and Applications Group under the Center for Truck and Bus Safety at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, reviewed data reported from the 4170 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the 2467 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study quantitatively evaluated the potential safety benefits of equipping all United States trucks and buses with Lytx’s DriveCam Program by using a large national crash database called the General Estimates System (GES). The GES database included information about the vehicle, injuries and fatalities, violations, and contributing factors for a sample of crashes during calendar years 2010 to 2012.

The report suggests that 801 lives could be saved by such technology (a drop of 20%), preventing 25,007 collisions a drop of 35%) and preventing some 39,066 injuries (a drop of 36%).

Related Content

  • UK road safety gain during pandemic
    October 14, 2021
    The UK has seen a road safety gain during the pandemic.
  • Brake and Direct Line survey: UK drivers flout traffic laws
    April 28, 2015
    Half of UK drivers in a recent survey admitted to breaking traffic laws and half of these drivers said they did it with intention. Of the drivers who willingly broke the law, half acknowledged they did it because they believed there was little chance of getting caught, or they simply did not agree the law and saw no reason to obey. Road safety charity Brake and vehicle insurance company Direct Line said the survey reveals a worrying attitude by many road users toward safety on highways. Brake said that U
  • East African authorities trying to cut spiraling road death rates
    December 10, 2013
    Road fatality rates are rising in East Africa, despite attempts to stem the tide – Shem Oirere writes When a passenger bus in Kenya killed 42 people on August 29th 2013, it coincided with the release of a World Health Organisation (WHO) report that painted a grim picture of the status of road safety in East Africa. The accident at Ntulele shopping centre along the Nairobi-Narok highway, 90km from capital Nairobi, occurred when the bus heading to western Kenya lost control and crashed. The driver is said to
  • Stronger crash barriers may be needed for heavier trucks
    November 26, 2012
    The European Road Federation (ERF) has voiced its concern that roadside barriers in Europe may have to be upgraded. Meanwhile the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called for roadside barriers to feature post protection so as to reduce the risk of injuries to motorcyclists. According to the ERF, the recent decision of the European Commission to allow cross-border movement of longer and heavier trucks, it is keen to raise awareness of the important implications such a move may have for road barr