Field Operational Test Results of An Automated Collision Notification System 2000-01-C041

This paper describes a Field Operational Test (FOT) of an Automated Collision Notification (ACN) System, a new way to provide definitive pre- hospital medical care to people injured in motor vehicle crashes. This FOT is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) research being conducted under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program. Management of the program is by the Office of Vehicle Safety Research in NHTSA.

The ACN FOT is a demonstration of the application of advanced technology for the improvement of pre-hospital emergency care for motor-vehicle crash victims. The test, involving approximately 850 volunteers' vehicles, was conducted in rural Western New York State. A partnership of local public agencies and private corporations, led by Veridian, Inc., performed the test. This paper provides the background, FOT status, describes an actual crash, and describes some technical and institutional issues uncovered under this program.

We have shown technology feasibility of ACN within a limited geographical area. Anecdotal evidence shows that we can improve the timeliness of definitive pre-hospital medical care through the application of ACN technology. The ACN FOT was the first of many steps required to complete a nationwide ACN network.