We all know that our vehicles have become more technologically sophisticated in recent years. Anti-lock braking systems are now fitted as standard on all new models of car. They have been followed by other initiatives such as Electronic Stability Control, Driver Assistance Systems and Intelligent Speed Adaptation.

All of these have focused primarily on improving the safety of the vehicle occupant. Some of them have been extensively researched before fitment; others have been introduced quickly with less real-world evidence. Can any of them also help to reduce the risk of the vulnerable? This is a key question that the speakers at this conference will attempt to answer.

The programme takes a deliberately wide definition of vulnerable. In the context of the day, the vulnerable are those over-represented in crashes and injuries: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are obviously key groups. However, we should not overlook the elderly road user or young drivers, who are most at risk on our roads.

In this context, technology can have a key role to play in helping to maintain safe mobility and in reducing crash involvement. Greater use of event data recorders, for example, may enable better monitoring of unsafe behaviours by young and newly qualified drivers. In-vehicle technologies may also have a place in alerting drivers about potential crashes with pedestrians and in preventing these from happening.

The Department for Transport consultation on “A Safer Way” identified that technology offered some help in continuing to cut casualties on our roads. This conference will explore the extent of the contribution that it can make and help us to draw some conclusions.

For more details or if you are interested in attending the event, please visit the host website.

Website - www.pacts.org.uk