Research & Discoveries (R&D): Predicting and Preventing Crashes: New Data Shows How Technology Can Save Lives

Academics and experts around the world are studying how autonomous vehicles can improve safety, enhance mobility, and create new economic opportunities, among other transformative benefits. AVIA’s Research & Discoveries (R&D) Series highlights these reports’ findings about how AVs can create a safer and more mobile world.

• Roadway crashes can be predicted before they happen and therefore prevented Telematic risk insights can lead to fast, affordable safety wins.
• Policy action is needed to increase safety on roads.

A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) - an AVIA partner – and Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows how a modern approach to traffic safety can save lives and reduce injuries through targeted, evidence-based action, and urges public officials to support and advance predictive analytics to prevent traffic deaths.

Proactive Safety Works and the Data Proves It

CMT’s analysis confirms that roadway fatalities and injuries do not occur randomly, and they are the result of observable risky behaviors and choices. In fact, drivers who use their phones behind the wheel are 240% more likely to crash. While traditional safety methods, such as crash reports, tend to address problems after they’ve caused harm, modern technology can capture the risks leading to distracted or dangerous driving. AVIA’s members are committed to addressing distracted or dangerous driving through AV deployment.

Real-Time Data. Real-Life Impact.

Everyday behaviors behind the wheel may seem small, but they dramatically increase the chance of a crash. According to the researchers, traditional crash data often misses these early warning signs. Telematics, however, can capture them in real time, providing a clearer picture of what’s happening on the road. Telematics provide a new era in traffic safety: one where decisions can be guided by hard data instead of waiting for patterns of tragedy to emerge.

The power of telematics lies in its ability to highlight risk hotspots that can often be fixed with simple interventions, such as clearer signage, fresh pavement markings, and trimmed back vegetation. It can also shape education campaigns, enforcement strategies, and stronger safety laws. And because it’s real time, agencies can measure what’s working and pivot quickly when it isn’t.

Four Ways Policymakers Can Act Now

The researchers' takeaways for policymakers are that modern safety tools exist, and they work. They recommend federal and state leaders can act now to put data-driven safety into motion.

1. Put Predictive Analytics at the Core

By integrating validated telematics data and predictive tools, government agencies can use dashboards to spot risks in real time and act before tragedy strikes.

2. Pass and Enforce Evidence-Based Laws

Policy matters. Stronger, clearer laws, such as universal hands-free requirements and primary enforcement seat belt laws, paired with education campaigns can change driver behavior at scale. It’s about making the safe choice the easy choice.

3. Measure, Learn, and Adjust

Data shouldn’t just guide action; it should guide improvement. Predictive analytics can be built into Highway Safety Plans to test whether new laws, infrastructure fixes, or public awareness campaigns are actually reducing risky behaviors. If something isn’t working, adapt quickly.

4.‍Key Insights:

Trust is essential. Safety agencies can and should use aggregate, validated risk indicators to deliver precise strategies while safeguarding personal privacy every step of the way.

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