TomTom and NNG, along with partners including GEWI and some German broadcasters have successfully concluded a trial, which provides public emergency warnings to travellers in real-time.

The trial by TISA, the Traveller Information Services Association, was to distribute official Emergency Alerts and Warnings issued by public authorities and/or authorised agencies. Emergency Alerts and Warnings are typically given to warn the general public of impending danger, such as fires, flooding, civil emergencies, severe weather, security hazards, or hostile acts.

“This summer’s flooding catastrophes in Germany and the Benelux have made it clear that early and effective warnings can save lives,” said Teun Hendriks, TISA Technical and Standardisation Committee co-chair. “TISA has proven that TPEG Emergency Alerts and Warnings are an effective dissemination channel to inform travellers, who may not speak the local language, nor be familiar with the local geography and locations of towns, about various dangers, not only while driving, but also without the need to take their eyes off the road to look at their cell phone.”

TPEG-based distribution of Emergency Alerts and Warnings now provides alerts/warnings to travellers safely while ensuring compatibility with both in-vehicle navigation systems, as in-vehicle digital radio receivers, and ensuring that messages are understandable also for non-native speakers who are residents and visitors from foreign countries. Now, emergency warnings can also reach travellers and stimulate those at risk to take action.

The trial, conducted in Germany throughout 2021 and concluded in September, confirmed the TPEG-based Emergency Alerts and Warnings protocol’s effectiveness, which will now be submitted to ISO for worldwide standardisation.

(Picture – TISA)