Summary

The objectives of driver training programs using filmed material are examined, and evidence about the effectiveness of the method is discussed. Desirable features of a sequence of films are identified. A specific examination of the existing "How to Drive" series of films identifies deficiencies in the series, and a final section of the report makes suggestions for a revised series. An annotated bibliography of material examined is included as an Appendix.

Summary

The purpose of this report was to review literature relating to car driver licence testing. Major objectives of testing systems were identified as establishing competence and setting a standard. The review brings together current knowledge relating to driver behaviour and to studies of "unsafe" driver behaviour, against which licence tests might be evaluated. Studies of licence tests are discussed and recommendations made regarding tests, which should be considered for adoption in Australia.

Summary

Reark Research was commissioned by FORS to conduct a survey of community attitudes towards road safety. The survey followed a methodology developed in October 1986. This survey replicates core questions, as asked in the first survey. Objectives of the survey were to monitor key community attitudes to various road safety issues and to determine the extent of awareness of the Federal Government programme to upgrade highway links between capital cities.

Summary

A national telephone survey of 1,027 persons aged 18 years and over, during 27- 30 August 1987. This report summarises the results of the survey. Issues covered included community attitudes toward current road rules, their perceived role and effect, the level of enforcement, the severity of penalties, factors seen as affecting road safety, and how safety could be improved.

Summary

A post crash investigation of 329 Motorcycle and Bicycle crashes involving head injury using police, hospital and Post Mortem data and damage assessment of the protective helmets worn in the crash. Experimental research into skull bone strength, transmission of impact force from the lower jaw to the intracranial space, properties of protective helmet lining materials and head forms for helmet testing. Laboratory simulation of sliding and rotational accelerations of the head for different helmet types and crash situations.

Summary

The report discusses the characteristics of head and neck injuries sustained by occupants of passenger cars. The epidemiology and biomechanics of such injuries are discussed. The extent and prognosis of treatment is described. Both existing countermeasures and current research into new or improved countermeasures are evaluated. Recommendations are made with respect to measures to reduce head injury in passenger vehicles.

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Summary

The report details a national travel survey undertaken throughout Australia commencing August 1985 for one year. It was a self-administered mail-back survey design. Forms were sent to nearly 30,000 households in all states to collect information on their day-to-day travel behaviour for one sample travel day in that period. Information was collected for each day of the year for all modes of travel including public transport. The data is in a form which, after expansion (weighting), allows for the calculation of road user exposure to risk.

Summary

This study was commissioned to provide, on a comparable basis throughout urban and rural Australia, information on seat belt wearing rates and the characteristics of people not wearing seat belts. Study data was obtained from observations of seat belt wearing behaviour and interviews with seat belt wearers and non-wearers. Interviews and observations were conducted in the capital city, and in one provincial town and one country town in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Summary

A survey of bicycle crashes in Western Australia was carried out in 1985/86. The survey gathered questionnaires from 781 crash participants" hospitals in WA, representing about 40% of reported bicycle crashes (cyclists and motorists) contacted through the Police Department and or those resulting in hospital treatment. Analysis of the questionnaires reveals that crashes occur mainly at times of heavy traffic, and during daylight.