Summary

The total number of road deaths in June 2005 was 116
- this is a 5.7% decrease from the June 2004 figure.

The number of road deaths in 2005 to the end of June is 785
- this is a 1.4% decrease from the same 6 month period in 2004.

Summary

Static electricity is a phenomenon that can occur when two objects or substances come in contact with each other and are then separated. The build up of electricity is often noticed by drivers and passengers when they receive a mild electric shock as they exit the vehicle.

The electric charge is generated by friction between the person's body and the seat.

In most cases the static electricity discharges when the person touches the metal door on exiting the vehicle.

Summary

The total number of road deaths in February 2005 was 114
- this is a 2.6% decrease from the February 2004 figure.

The number of road deaths in 2005 to the end of February is 226
- this is a 15.4% decrease from the same 2 month period in 2004.

Summary

There have recently been a number of media reports about the ability of static electricity to ignite fires while motorists have been refuelling at petrol stations. Although the reports have raised awareness among motorists about the hazards of static electricity, they have also led to considerable speculation about the potential for mobile phones to explode. The purpose of this paper was to examine the risks associated with static ignited fires at petrol stations.

Summary

This month's key figures

Summary

Background

Macrotexture refers to variations in the road surface in the range 0.5 mm to 50 mm. It is generally believed to affect braking performance by assisting drainage, thereby preventing the formation of a water film over the road surface, and through hysteresis, the deformation of the tyre which converts mechanical energy into heat. Macrotexture is relatively stable, and can be measured by laser profilometers travelling at highway speed in the course of multi-variable highway condition surveys.

Summary

The aims of this study were, first, to describe the on-road driving performance of a group of older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia, and second, to validate a new cognitive screening instrument developed to indicate the likely driving competence of older people with MCI or early dementia. The instrument, named the Maze Task, was developed by the researcher as a timed pencil and paper test of attention, visuoconstructional skills, and executive functions of planning and foresight.