Summary

In-car distractions can seriously impair driving and potentially contribute to accidents. In-car distractions include mobile phones, entertainment systems, interaction with passengers, and most recently satellite navigation systems. This study investigates such distractions by providing micro-detailed descriptions and analyses of their occurrence and impact on driving activities, such as looking towards the road ahead or handling the steering wheel. The study uses naturally occurring data, in-car video recordings of driving in real-world driving situations.

Summary

A national scoping study into mobile phone use while driving across Australia has been completed and the report can be downloaded from the link below. The researchers noted that the use of mobile phones and other mobile technologies has been increasing, and that the effects on driver distraction are of concern. At present, the available evidence regarding mobile phone use in crashes is limited. While hand-held mobile phone use is illegal in Australia, the use of legal hands-free systems in cars may also be contributing to crash risk.

Summary

A national scoping study into roadside drug testing across Australia has been completed. The researchers noted that overall, Australia has the most intensive roadside drug testing program in the world, with roadside oral fluid testing introduced in Australia a decade or more before any other jurisdiction internationally.

Summary

Road Deaths Australia is a monthly bulletin presenting the latest fatal road crash data as well as recent historical comparisons. It is produced using monthly data supplied by the eight states and territories.

Summary

Fatal Heavy Vehicle Crashes Australia is a quarterly bulletin presenting recent data on fatal road crashes involving heavy vehicles as well as historical comparisons. It is produced using data supplied by the eight states and territories.

Key Features

During the 12 months to the end of September 2008, 281 people died from 247 crashes involving heavy trucks or buses. These included:

Summary

Young drivers are involved disproportionately in serious vehicle crashes, and are involved disproportionately in sleepiness-related crashes. Specific difficulties in perceiving road hazards, and further impairment of this skill when sleepy, may contribute to this problem in young and inexperienced drivers. Perception, and response, to potential driving hazards is typically better in experienced drivers than in inexperienced drivers. However, the relationship between driver experience and sleepiness is not known.

Summary

Ecodriving involves driving more smoothly by anticipating changes in the traffic, operating the vehicle within an optimum rev range, skipping and changing up gears as soon as possible, and avoiding sudden or substantial episodes of braking or acceleration. A substantial body of literature promises mild to substantial benefits from ecodriving in terms of fuel saved, emissions reduced, and possibly crashes averted.

Summary

Fatal Heavy Vehicle Crashes Australia is a quarterly bulletin presenting recent data on fatal road crashes involving heavy vehicles as well as historical comparisons. It is produced using data supplied by the eight states and territories.

Key Features

During the 12 months to the end of December 2008, 264 people died from 237 crashes involving heavy trucks or buses. These included: