4 considerations: How to choose a crash detection solution 

When it comes to saving lives, having the right tools on-hand matters. Surgeons, firefighters, lifeguards, etc. are all equipped with the tools needed to save a life in their fields. Since traffic crashes are the leading cause of nonnatural death in the U.S., crash detection providers have that same inherent obligation to leverage the right solution to save lives.  

Taking it further, with the right solution, providers can also supply additional support to customers, such as helpful, post-collision content or a faster, more accurate insurance claims experience.  

While some providers opt to build and leverage their own solution, some choose to onboard proven technology to aid their customers. Here are four considerations for choosing a crash detection solution.   

#1 Data volume  

Each crash detection solution relies on its own “secret sauce” algorithm, built using data from various types of mobile phone sensors. Since there are only a handful of sensors to leverage, what really differentiates an algorithm is the quantity and quality of the data that powers it – as well as the team behind it.    

A lot of quality data, coupled with a team that has the deep industry and technical knowledge to work with it, makes algorithms smarter.

Simply put – the more data, the better.  

Since we partner with mobile apps, Crash Detection by Arity is able to operate on most iOS and Android models. Today, our life-saving technology is connected to more than 35 million users.  

In addition, Crash Detection by Arity is informed by the largest driving behavior database tied to insurance claims which has collected over 1.5 trillion miles of driving data since its inception – and is growing by a billion miles every day.   

#2 Data quality  

While having a lot of data is important, it’s not valuable if it’s not quality data. When vetting the data behind the algorithm, a few factors to examine include –   

Does the data represent all types of drivers and roads? 

Some crash detection solutions are only connected to a subset of the population. For example, built-in crash detection from phone carriers are often only available to users who have purchased the latest models, while built-in crash detection from cars are often only available on specific connected cars. This can lead to bias since those who can’t afford the newer phone models and higher-tech cars are unable to access the life-saving feature.  

Crash Detection by Arity operates through mobile apps, regardless of smartphone age, which means we have the potential to connect with all drivers – regardless of demographics.  

Is the crash data and algorithm accurate?  

Before trusting an algorithm, you want to make sure that the data behind it has been put to the test and verified. A crash detection provider could claim they detect thousands of crashes every day, but are those actual traffic crashes? Could the detected impacts be caused by roller coasters or skiing?  

To have accurate predictions, you first need accurate data to train the model. So before choosing a solution, it’s helpful to investigate the types of testing and verification that’s been done to ensure accuracy. 

Arity intakes crash data from mobile apps that leverage our solution, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and auto insurance claims. Then, to “clean it up,” our team of experts – 

• Receive confirmation from our mobile app partners’ users and call centers, telling us if our predictions are accurate.  
• Test to identify and filter out “false positives,” or incorrect detected crashes due to dropping a phone, roller coasters, skiing, etc.  
• Evaluate car speed and force impact to determine common crash speeds.  

Each of these are leveraged to further fine-tune our algorithm and continuously improve accuracy. 

How much related context is captured?  

A database that captures related context can result in added value for crash detection providers. Apart from sensors, additional layers – like Arity’s unique access to insurance claims data – help paint a full picture to understand what happened beyond the initial impact. 

With our solution, providers can gain insight into what happened before, during, and after the crash.  

• Before: Providers can learn what may have contributed to an accident by looking at the preceding driving behaviors, including hard braking, speeding, phone handling, and more.  
• During: They can also better understand severity with details surrounding the intensity, duration, and direction of the impact.  
• After: Lastly, they can get a glimpse into what followed the impact. For example, if the car had to be towed. 

#3 Data privacy 

When choosing a solution that requires a constant connection to your users, you want to be confident that their data will be protected.  

At Arity, we believe consumers’ data should be used to benefit individuals and society at large. All our solutions leverage data for good, whether that’s saving lives with crash detection or helping drivers save money at the gas pump with Fuel Efficiency.  

As we collect and use data to drive positive change, we ensure we’re doing so responsibly. For example, we aim to be as transparent and clear as possible about the types of data Arity collects and the value users receive in exchange for sharing their personal data. And we strive to engage with partners who share our principles around informed consent.

#4 Industry knowledge 

If you choose to go the route of partnering with a crash detection provider, one thing to consider is the team’s industry expertise. By knowing the ins and outs of your industry, a provider can help tailor responses to best suit users and enable additional value beyond a detected crash.  

For example, Arity partners with mobile apps, auto insurance carriers, and cities, empowering them to make strategic decisions and connect with customers in more meaningful ways:  

• Through their mobile apps, brands can offer features that immediately assist and give smartphone users peace of mind and protection on the road through alerting emergency services, notifying key contacts, or sharing helpful content with customers post-crash.  

• Insurers can automatically collect information about the incident firsthand to provide a faster, more seamless, and more accurate claims process on both the carrier and customer sides. 

• Transportation professionals and engineers can leverage this data to inform road-planning decisions, such as implementing countermeasures that can alleviate the rise in traffic fatalities. 

Beyond crash detection, which is just one tool we offer in our suite of solutions, Arity can offer additional value to both you and your users.  

Want to learn more? Explore our industry pages: Mobile Apps | Auto Insurance | Public Sector