New ANCAP app could save your life

Independent automotive safety authority, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has created an app that may help save your life by pin-pointing important vehicle details that could help emergency services provide faster and safer post-crash care.

The app, ANCAP RESCUE, is available to download for free in both Australia and New Zealand and provides important information and ‘rescue sheets’ for more than 500 models.

That info includes in-vehicle hazards such as fuel tanks, airbag inflators, other hazardous elements and high-voltage batteries, which is particularly important as more electrified vehicles hit the road.

According to ANCAP, vehicle manufacturers have supported the app by providing critical information on their vehicles, which could minimise post-crash risks to first responders and accident victims.

ANCAP spokeswoman Rhianne Robson says the app will become increasingly important with the anticipated growth in hybrid, electric and alternative-powered motor vehicles.

“Providing our Fire & Rescue, Police and Ambulance officers – and in many cases SES volunteers – the tools to identify known hazards will improve response time and help reduce some of the risks they face on the job each day,” she said.

Members of the public are also invited to download the free app, which offers the ability to download and store vehicle model information for use in areas without reception.

Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner, Paul Baxter, also commended the ANCAP RESCUE app.

“Having standardised vehicle rescue information available in a centralised and easily-accessible platform provides our officers with a better understanding of the vehicle they’re responding to, and how to ensure both their own safety and that of any crash casualties,” he said.

To see how the app works, click here.