Responding to vehicle crashes
quickly and efficiently can mean the difference between life and death. General
Motors' Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system is available on a
dozen new 2005 GM models equipped with OnStar's in-vehicle safety and communications
system. AACN, an industry first, makes emergency information available to 911
centers so that they can send the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment
to crash scenes faster.
Using
a collection of sensors, AACN automatically calls an OnStar advisor if the vehicle
is involved in a qualified frontal, rear or side-impact crash, regardless of air
bag deployment. AACN provides crash severity information to OnStar advisors, who
relay it to 911 dispatchers. AACN systems can determine the severity of crash,
direction of impact, air bags deployed, multiple impacts and rollover (if equipped
with appropriate sensors). "It
is critical to get the right kind of emergency assistance to injured motorists
after a collision," said Robert C. Lange, GM executive director of structure
and safety integration. "Adding the AACN system to new GM models is part
of our ongoing effort to help provide continuous safety protection to motorists
before, during and after a crash." GM's
AACN system is available on a broad range of OnStar-equipped GM vehicles ranging
from small sedans starting with an MSRP around $16,000 through sport utility and
luxury series vehicles, including the 2005 Buick Rainier; Cadillac STS; Chevrolet
Malibu, Malibu Maxx, Cobalt, TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT; GMC Envoy, Envoy
XUV and Envoy XL; Pontiac G6; and the Saab 9-7X. GM will continue to roll out
AACN on additional GM models
in the coming years. OnStar receives approximately 700 air bag notifications each
month. "We
know that shortening the time to treatment by EMS and trauma physicians can make
a big difference in survival and recovery," said Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D.,
administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "This
technology should result in better response times after a crash when traveling
in less populated areas, and more accurate information to EMS dispatchers even
in the city." Traffic
safety and emergency medical experts say AACN may be especially important in rural
areas, where there may not be a passerby to report a crash and few local hospitals
equipped to treat the kinds of injuries sustained in severe crashes. Sixty percent
of the nation's fatalities are in rural areas, even though rural areas account
for only 20 percent of the total annual crashes. "AACN
is a very important part of OnStar's in-vehicle safety and security services,"
said Chet Huber, president of OnStar. "It is our commitment to provide OnStar
subscribers with relevant technology that can help save lives and provide peace
of mind for drivers and passengers of OnStar-equipped GM vehicles." OnStar,
with more than 2.7 million subscribers, is available on more than 50 models from
General Motors and is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security
and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network
and wireless technology. OnStar services include automatic notification of air
bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside
assistance with location, remote door unlock, GM Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics,
route support and convenience services. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers
to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide
cellular network and access a wide range of other information services. General
Motors Corp. is the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1908, GM
has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM
and its products can be found at www.GM.com. |