Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an automatic emergency call system on accident consequences in Finland (ex-ante evaluation). In addition, the effects of the system on emergency response times and the effects of realtime information about the accident location were assessed. Methods The evaluation utilised in-depth accident reports collected by the road accident investigation teams during the period [2001][2002][2003]. The time delay between the accident occurrence and notification of the emergency response centre was estimated from information in the phone log of emergency response centres and from the information provided by the road accident investigation teams. Accuracy and potential errors by emergency callers in defining the accident site, as well as potential problems with rescue units finding the accident site, were examined with a survey sent to emergency response centres. Results and conclusions The main finding showed that the system could very probably have prevented 3.6% of the road fatalities investigated. In addition, it was assessed that the total preventive effect on road fatalities could be approximately 4-8% if possibly preventable fatalities were taken into account. The system has the greatest potential to save lives in cases where the emergency call would, with no automatic emergency call system, be made more than 5 min after the accident. In conclusion, the system is recommended for immediate and widespread implementation in Finland.
In Finland, all fatal on-road and off-road motor vehicle crashes are subject to an in-depth investigation coordinated by the Finnish Crash Data Institute (OTI). This study presents an exploratory and two-step cluster analysis of fatal pedestrian crashes between 2010 and 2019 that were subject to in-depth investigations. In total, 281 investigations occurred across Finland between 2010 and 2019. The highest number of cases were recorded in the Uusimaa region, including Helsinki, representing 26.4% of cases. Females (48.0%) were involved in fewer cases than males; however, older females represented the most commonly injured demographic. A unique element to the patterns of injury in this study is the seasonal effects, with the highest proportion of crashes investigated in winter and autumn. Cluster analysis identified four unique clusters. Clusters were characterised by crashes involving older pedestrians crossing in low-speed environments, crashes in higher speed environments away from pedestrian crossings, crashes on private roads or in parking facilities, and crashes involving intoxicated pedestrians. The most common recommendations from the investigation teams to improve safety were signalisation and infrastructure upgrades of pedestrian crossings, improvements to street lighting, advanced driver assistance (ADAS) technologies, and increased emphasis on driver behaviour and training. The findings highlight road safety issues that need to be addressed to reduce pedestrian trauma in Finland, including provision of safer crossing facilities for elderly pedestrians, improvements to parking and shared facilities, and addressing issues of intoxicated pedestrians. Efforts to remedy these key issues will further Finland’s progression towards meeting Vision Zero targets while creating a safer and sustainable urban environment in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals.
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