🚨 THE COLLISION-TO-CARE REVOLUTION   

In this compelling episode of "Automotive Storytelling" – the only podcast examining mobility through storytelling, brought to you by The Storytelling Tribe – we connect with Joe Custer, CEO of Intrado, the company that invented modern 9-1-1, to explore how data-rich vehicle communications can save over 2000 lives annually. From two Boulder County sheriff's deputies who solved a location problem ~50 years ago to the forefront of Next Generation 9-1-1 and emergency response, Joe reveals why every second after a crash is a battle between technology and time.

🎯 KEY INSIGHTS

The 12-Minute Problem: When Call Centers Cost Lives
Joe reveals how current crash notifications route through OEM concierge call centers, creating 12+ minute delays that increase mortality by 46% compared to a 5-minute intervention. Next Generation AACN can cut response times by nearly 70%.

The Severity Score Standard: One Language for Every Brand
Discover how GM, Ford, Toyota, and Honda are collaborating with NENA and APCO to create a unified crash severity calculation, so that a "7 out of 10" means the same thing regardless of which vehicle model you drive. 

The Autonomous Trust Factor: No Driver, No Problem
Learn why automated emergency response becomes even more critical in the autonomous era, where driverless vehicles must communicate crashes directly to first responders through the dedicated, public-safety-grade ESInet network.

💡 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• Standardize the Severity Score: Adopt the updated VEDS 3.1 standard so every brand communicates crash data in a consistent, actionable format
• Lead with the Consumer Mandate: 94% of drivers support sharing vehicle data for safety; 70% say AACN would influence their next vehicle purchase — use this in your messaging
• Follow the European Playbook: Europe's eCall mandate reduced emergency response times by 40–50% and saves an estimated 2,500 lives annually — the proof of concept already exists

🌟 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Joe Custer brings nearly 30 years of leadership in finance, strategy, and corporate development to his role as CEO of Intrado — the company that handles roughly 90% of all U.S. 9-1-1 requests. Having served as CFO and SVP of Operations, Joe led the strategic transformation of emergency services infrastructure and now champions the modernization of the 9-1-1 ecosystem through Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN).

Ready to discover the stories behind the steering wheel? 

https://www.intrado.com/

https://www.intrado.com/news-releases/intrado-and-sbd-automotive-demonstrate-how-advanced-automatic-collision-notification-aacn-could-save-more-than-2000-lives-annually

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.