ENAR
Automated vehicle data recorder to reduce traffic accidents, improve crash reconstructions and lower motor vehicle insurance premiums
ENAR addresses the ever-increasing cost of motor vehicle insurance by providing insurers with a streamlined process for determining the parties at fault in an accident. The system also provides feedback to drivers on their driving behaviour, presenting warnings when hazardous situations are detected. Crash data retrieved from the device will help lower the cost base for insurance companies and result in lower premiums. This will be particularly attractive to the fleet market, empowering fleet managers to reduce costs of maintenance, insurance and claims. The fleet market alone represents 50% of new car registrations in Australia with some 4.3 million vehicles in operation. Freight vehicles also represent a substantial market with 2.5 million freight vehicles currently operating in Australia.
No solution currently on the market can capture the range of data necessary to accurately reconstruct accident events and change driver behaviour. The ENAR system is independent of original vehicle design and can be fitted to existing vehicles. It captures a wealth of information including:
- Vehicle speed
- 'hoon' behaviour
- Use of seat belts
- Monitoring and road hazards
- Signs of fatigue
- Identification of road hazard trouble spots
- Adherence to road signs/traffic lights
- Environmental emissions
- Accidents/collisions
- Crash reconstruction
- Signs of drug use
- Positive driver ID
- Use of mobile phones while driving
- Location of stolen vehicles.
ENAR was developed through collaboration between the Electron Science Institute at ECU and Omiron Corporation Pty Ltd. With the design phase now complete, the team is working on a prototype of the system and intends to move to car installation trials in the near future.