Pondering the Australian Federal Budget 3 weeks on!

CEO Paul McGlone responds to the 24/25 Australian Federal Budget's lack of focus on the adoption of proven driver technology to complement the outlined road safety initiatives, genuinely save lives and reduce Australian road toll numbers.

Why in-vehicle safety measures needs to be a priority for our policy makers

In the wake of the Australian Federal Budget, it’s clear that while the government allocated more than $4 billion towards transport projects, there remains a glaring omission - a substantial investment towards driver focused technologies that are proven to enhance road safety and save the lives of more Australian road users. This is particularly concerning given the alarming statistics regarding road fatalities and high-risk driving behaviours.

Yet, we used to be world leaders in passenger safety when Victoria introduced the three-point seatbelt in 1970. So, what’s happened to mandating in-vehicle safety measures in Australia since then?

The Current State of Road Safety in Australia

In 2023, the number of deaths on Australian roads surged to 1,310 [1], marking an 11.2% increase compared to the year prior. A stark rise that underscores the urgent need for more focused and effective road safety measures. Unfortunately, the current budget allocations do not adequately address this critical and ongoing issue.

Whilst the Federal Budget did announce some investments relevant to road safety and infrastructure, such as $1.9 billion for road and rail projects in Western Sydney and $21 million for the creation of a national road safety data hub, which are commendable, they fall short of addressing the immediate and pressing need for advanced road safety technologies that can save lives today.

By that we mean technology being installed by car and commercial vehicle manufacturers all over the world, which reduce the risks associated with human error, largely emanating from driver distraction and fatigue.

The Power of Technology in Enhancing Road Safety

One such technology is Guardian by Seeing Machines , a real-time driver fatigue and distraction solution that is scientifically proven to reduce fatigue-related events by upwards of 94%. The Guardian system leverages advanced AI and computer vision to monitor driver behaviour and provide real-time alerts, significantly mitigating the risks associated with fatigued and distracted driving.

In our latest Guardian Insights Report , Seeing Machines recorded more than 600,000 instances of high-risk driving across Australia and New Zealand fleet vehicles in the 12 months ending 30 September 2023.

Two key statistics highlight why in-vehicle technologies are needed:

• 521,242 distracted driving events, including 55,260 instances of mobile phone use
• 131,806 confirmed fatigue events, encompassing drowsiness and microsleep incidents

These numbers highlight the pervasive nature of risky driving behaviours and the crucial role that Guardian technology plays in identifying and reducing these risks among commercial vehicle drivers.

A Call for Government Action

Given the proven effectiveness of technologies like Guardian, it is imperative that the Australian government takes decisive action to invest in such innovations. Guardian is targeted at professional drivers of commercial vehicles, and we all know this is a huge industry in our vast country. Genuine technology is not cheap to install, but pays itself off over a short period through insurance benefits and a real reduction in accidents, from minor through to catastrophic.

We propose a conversation with people across government who genuinely care about saving lives on our roads, to agree to providing an incentive, for example, a rebate, for every truck or bus operated in Australia specifically for the adoption of driver fatigue and distraction technology.

A relatively modest investment could have a profound impact on road safety, potentially saving countless lives. This includes:

1. Enhanced Safety: Immediate reduction in fatigue and distraction-related driving incidents, leading to fewer accidents and fatalities.

1. Cost Savings: Decreased accident rates mean lower costs associated with emergency response, medical care, and vehicle repairs.

1. Improved Public Confidence: Demonstrating a commitment to road safety can enhance public trust in government initiatives and policies.

The Urgent Need for Policy Change

The current budget allocations, while beneficial for long-term infrastructure development, do not address the urgent need for immediate road safety improvements. Investing in cutting-edge technologies like Guardian is not just a financial decision, it is a moral and ethical imperative.

By prioritising road safety and making targeted investments in proven technologies, the Australian government can take significant strides toward reducing road fatalities and creating a safer environment for all road users, mirroring imminent legislative changes happening around the world, with Europe and China leading the charge.

As policy makers, safety advocates, and leaders in the transport industry, we must advocate for these necessary changes. Let’s work together to drive the conversation forward and push for the investments needed to safeguard our roads.

For those interested in learning more about Guardian by Seeing Machines and how it can be integrated into fleet operations, please contact us directly or visit our website .

Your involvement could be the catalyst for a safer, more secure future on our roads.

[1] Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics Australian Road Deaths Database (ARDD)