Volkswagen aims to reduce road traffic deaths

Volkswagen aims to reduce road traffic deaths and is therefore working to achieve its goal. About three years ago, a pedestrian was killed in a road traffic accident every 85 minutes. For this reason, the German brand is taking steps to reduce accidents involving its models. For example, the Volkswagen ID.4 already features pedestrian warning technology and other driver assistance systems.

However, the brand says this is not enough. For this reason, the Volkswagen Group, together with academic institutions, government agencies and law enforcement, has formed the Alliance for Prevention of Injuries to Vulnerable Road Users (VIPA). Basically, the aim is to prevent people from being injured in traffic incidents.

In this way, Volkswagen intends to reduce road deaths

The organisation, which will be based in Michigan for now, is being built using two databases to help researchers. The first database monitors samples of incidents reported to the police involving both pedestrians and cyclists. Where possible, this database will also be matched with injury data from the hospitals where these victims are treated. The second database will provide accident reconstructions so that Volkswagen and other manufacturers can know what happened. This includes medical and vehicle data to help identify trends that will better protect pedestrians.

Jason Gainey, senior manager of vehicle safety and compliance at Volkswagen, has said that “real-world data like this plays a crucial role in determining how legislators and the industry can better protect pedestrians, cyclists and other road users”.

This information will be used by the German manufacturer to improve the safety of its vehicles. Systems will be developed that could help mitigate any harm caused by a driver who acts erratically on the road. Volkswagen uses the example of a drunk driver, but distracted drivers also fit the pattern. Likewise, Volkswagen has pointed out that the data will also be used to create new road rules designed to improve pedestrian safety.