Effectiveness and appropriateness of child restraints. This project aims to provide a definitive picture of the use, misuse and inappropriate use of child restraints in motor vehicles. It will evaluate the biomechanical and size deficiencies of current child restraints for the current population of children, and the implications for increased injury associated with these factors. This will provide a solid evidence base for improved child restraint design, education, and legislative changes.
Speeding recidivism, crash risk and the impact of penalties and sanctions on speeding behaviour. Road traffic crashes make up one quarter of deaths due to injury (ATSB 2004) with speeding a major contributing factor. It has been estimated that the yearly cost of speed related crashes alone amounts to $1 billion (MUARC 1993). We aim to examine the effect of increased penalty regimes on speeding offenders and its relationship to their traffic and criminal histories. Results will reveal relationshi ....Speeding recidivism, crash risk and the impact of penalties and sanctions on speeding behaviour. Road traffic crashes make up one quarter of deaths due to injury (ATSB 2004) with speeding a major contributing factor. It has been estimated that the yearly cost of speed related crashes alone amounts to $1 billion (MUARC 1993). We aim to examine the effect of increased penalty regimes on speeding offenders and its relationship to their traffic and criminal histories. Results will reveal relationships between high level speeding, speeding recidivism and crash involvement, and to what extent they are associated with other anti-social and illegal behaviour. Based on the results and relevant theory, a model will be developed to inform policymakers on speed prevention education and legislation.Read moreRead less
Science of the Surf (SOS): The Development and Evaluation of a National Campaign to Reduce the Risk of Coastal Drowning. Australian beaches attract approximately 80 million domestic and international tourists a year and are an integral part of the Australian lifestyle. Each year, 58 people die and 563 people are hospitalised as a result of coastal drowning in Australia; many more are rescued by surf lifesavers. Many incidents occur when swimmers are caught in rip currents. Raising awareness abou ....Science of the Surf (SOS): The Development and Evaluation of a National Campaign to Reduce the Risk of Coastal Drowning. Australian beaches attract approximately 80 million domestic and international tourists a year and are an integral part of the Australian lifestyle. Each year, 58 people die and 563 people are hospitalised as a result of coastal drowning in Australia; many more are rescued by surf lifesavers. Many incidents occur when swimmers are caught in rip currents. Raising awareness about common surf hazards, such as rip currents, aims to minimise the risk of drowning. This research will promote and maintain good health and well being for Australians by delivering an effective drowning prevention intervention. In doing so, reducing drowning risk would save up to $187 million each year in health care costs.Read moreRead less