New research from Google Research has shown that hard braking events can be a strong early indicator of crash risk on specific stretches of road. The findings suggest that sudden braking, where a driver or rider is forced to react quickly to a hazard, can reveal problem areas on the road network more effectively than relying on collision data alone.
For safety technology provider REALRIDER SOS, the research reinforces something riders and road users experience every day: risk often builds long before a serious incident actually happens.
Because hard braking events occur far more frequently than crashes, they offer a clearer and earlier picture of where danger is emerging. This type of data can highlight hazardous conditions sooner, rather than waiting for collisions to take place before action is considered.
REALRIDER SOS works with similar real-world signals, using smartphone sensors to detect serious motorcycle crashes and automatically alert emergency services if a rider is unable to call for help themselves. The service operates on devices riders already carry, avoiding additional hardware while focusing on timely and reliable response when it matters most.
From a road safety perspective, the value of smartphone-based insights lies in their immediacy. Rather than relying solely on historic crash statistics, these signals reflect how people are interacting with the road in real time. Sudden braking, sharp deceleration and unexpected movement can all indicate heightened risk that traditional reporting methods may miss.
As conversations around connected mobility and intelligent transport systems continue to develop, practical, software-led approaches are expected to play an increasingly important role. Used responsibly and in anonymised form, real-world data has the potential not only to improve emergency response after a crash, but also to help identify dangerous conditions earlier and reduce the likelihood of serious incidents occurring in the first place.
