Role Title: Road Safety Research Intern
Organisation: Western Australian Centre for Road safety Research
Internship Period: Semester 1 (February - May)
Location: UWA, Crawley, Perth, WA
The project is in collaboration with Main Roads WA.
Currently, in WA, there are 174 road fatalities on average every year and an upward trend in fatalities has been identified. Research has identified various contributors to this increasing trend in fatal crashes, including risky driver behaviours (e.g., speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phone use), human error (e.g., misperceptions or momentary inattention), vehicle characteristics, and environmental conditions. Unfortunately, most research does not differentiate crashes caused by human error from those caused by risky behaviours. Understanding the complex interplay of these factors contributing to the increase in fatal crashes is crucial for developing effective safety strategies.
Together with Main Roads, we seek to characterise the major causes and contributors of fatal and serious injury crashes on Western Australian (WA) roads. We will combine a number of data sources, including coroners' reports from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS), crash investigation reports from Main Roads, and existing crash and road asset data. The outcomes of this investigation will guide the development of targeted countermeasures, policy recommendations, and strategic investments in road safety infrastructure.
The Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research (WACRSR) was established to conduct research into new and innovative approaches to road safety in Western Australia. Our remit is ‘Working together Towards Zero’. WACRSR research spans all pillars of the safe system and adopts a systems approach to work across all Government departments, Industry and community sectors. With WA Australia’s largest state in size, a particular specialty is ensuring advances in road safety reach our regions and remote communities, not only our capital cities and built-up areas.