GM And OnStar Expand The Reach Of Life-Saving Technology


GM Press Release - Detroit - 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.