Media Releases

3 AUGUST 2010 - STUDY URGES THE COMMUNITY TO CHALLENGE THE CULTURE OF SPEED

A study commissioned by the Trust considers that an attitudinal shift similar to that for smoking and AIDS is required in relation to speed and car use if the current level of road trauma is to be reduced. Funding of $73,500 was provided to the University of New South Wales for the study "Towards a Holistic Framework for Road Safety.

29 JULY 2010 - A HALF MILLION DOLLAR BOOST FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

Road safety in the ACT will receive a funding boost of $530,492 from the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust's 2010/2011 Grant Program, Chairman Professor Don Aitkin AO announced today.

27 JULY 2010 - STUDY REVEALS IGNORANCE ABOUT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND DRIVING

A study by the University of Southern Queensland into the level of alcohol knowledge by ACT residents has revealed significant levels of ignorance about alcohol consumption and driving. The study, which was funded by the Trust, found that 30% of respondents to a survey did not know the legal blood alcohol limit for fully licensed drivers was 0.05 while over 20% were unaware of how many standard drinks could be consumed in the first hour to stay under the legal limit.

31 MARCH 2010 - TEACHING CHILDREN TO CROSS ROADS SAFELY A PROMISING NEW TRAINING MANUAL

A novel training program that aims to improve the essential skills and strategies for children when crossing the road has been developed by researchers at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) as the result of a grant of $131,000 from the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust.

19 FEBRUARY 2010 - GRANTS FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

Road safety in the ACT region will receive a boost in the next financial year from projects to be funded by grants from the NRMA - ACT Road Safety's 2010-2011 Grant Program. The Trust is currently advertising in the media for innovative projects aimed at reducing road trauma. In particular, the Trust is seeking proposals and initiatives which are relevant to the Vision Zero/Safe System approach to road safety. Applications close on Monday 29 March 2010 and the application form and guidelines are available on the Trust's website.

9 DECEMBER 2009 - STUDY CONFIRMS THE VULNERABILITY OF CYCLISTS AND MOTORCYCLISTS

A study involving the matching of hospital trauma data with police crash data for the years 2001-2003 has revealed that cyclists and motorcyclists occupied more bed days in the Canberra Hospital than the combined total of drivers and front passengers. The study was undertaken by Associate Professor Drew Richardson, Chair of Road Trauma and Emergency Medicine, ANU Medical School and funded by the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust.

23 NOVEMBER 2009 - INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOL CYCLING PROGRAM TO BE LAUNCHED

An innovative cycling safety education program that targets students in Years 7-10 is being developed and trialled at Melba Copland Secondary School with a grant of $11,980 from the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust. The Safe Cycle Program was launched at the Melba Copland Secondary School (Junior Campus) on Tuesday 24 November 2009 at 9.30am.

6 NOVEMBER 2009 - MOTORISTS REMINDED OF THE 50 km/h SPEED LIMIT ON SUBURBAN STREETS

A media campaign being undertaken by the ACT Government to remind motorist that the default speed limit on suburban streets is 50km/h is being supported by the Trust.

23 OCTOBER 2009 - TELEVISION CAMPAIGN TARGETS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

A television campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of motorcycle riders was shown on WIN television over a four week period as part of the Trust's contribution to Motorcycle Awareness Week, which ran during the last week of October 2009. See the Media Statement for details. Could you place this in date order.

10 SEPTEMBER 2009 - INNOVATIVE ROAD SAFETY RESEARCH UNVEILED IN CANBERRA

The National Museum of Australia was the venue for a Road Safety Postgraduate Showcase Event organised by the Trust on 11 September 2009. The Showcase Event featured six of Australia's next generation of road safety researchers who delivered presentations on cutting edge research. The presentations may be accessed under Presentations .

16 JULY 2009 - STUDIES CONFIRM DRINK DRIVE CONCERNS FOR THE AC

Studies of 1,617 drink driving cases before ACT and Queanbeyan courts during 2006-2007 have confirmed a significant number of motorists drink and then drive at alarming levels of intoxication. The studies conducted by Smithworks Consulting were commissioned by the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust and confirm the findings of a similar study on ACT convictions released in 2003.

22 APRIL 2009 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WEARING - ACT MOTORCYCLISTS OK BUT CAN DO BETTER

An observational survey on the wearing of motorcycle protective clothing in the ACT has found good results for upper body apparel but worrying results for lower body apparel. The survey was conducted by the Queensland Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety (CARRS-Q), which is based at the Queensland University of Technology and funded by the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust.

12 DECEMBER 2008 - GRANTS FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

Road safety in the ACT region will receive a boost in the next financial year from projects to be funded by grants from the Trust. The Trust will be advertising in the Canberra Times, Chronicle, Weekend Australian and Sydney Morning Herald for well-justified applications for grants that meet the Trust's objectives.

11 DECEMBER 2008 - GRANT ASSISTS PROMOTION OF NIGHTRIDER SERVICE

A grant of $15,000 by the Trust to ACTION will assist in the promotion of the popular Nightrider bus service, which commences on Friday 12 December 2008. The service will operate over eight designated routes from the Civic Bus Interchange between the hours of 1.00am and 4.45am over the next two weekends leading up to Christmas as well as operating on New Year's Eve.

11 DECEMBER 2008 - DRIVER DISTRACTION

Canberra will host the international launch of the world's first book on driver distraction - Driver Distraction: Theory, Effects and Mitigation. The book is the brainchild of Adjunct Professor Michael Regan from the Monash University Accident Research Centre and currently on secondment to the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research. The Trust has contributed $20,000 to assist in the development of the book - being launched at the Botanic Gardens on Friday 12 December 2008.

26 NOVEMBER 2008 - CAMPAIGN TO MAKE THE KINGS HIGHWAY SAFER IN THE HOLIDAYS

A road safety campaign aimed at making the Kings Highway safer during the upcoming December/January holiday period was launched in City Walk on 27 November 2008. The campaign is being funded by the Trust, the RTA and the Department of Territory and Municipal Services.

17 NOVEMBER 2008 - IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY - CIT GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDENTS DRAWN IN

Final year Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design students at the Canberra Institute of Technology are using their creative talents to produce a range of posters on road safety issues relevant to young road users in the ACT. The project was funded by a grant of $7,500 by the Trust. A selection of the posters will be displayed across student campuses and selected venues across the ACT.

9 OCTOBER 2008 - TELEVISION CAMPAIGN TARGETS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

A television campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of motorcycle riders will be shown on WIN Television over the next four weeks. The campaign features three 30-second commercials developed by the Motorcycle Ridera Association using the production talents of WIN and funded by the Trust. The television is the Trust's contribution to Motorcycle Awareness Week launched in Civic Square on Saturday 11 October 2008 by Mr John Hargreaves MLA.

31 JULY 2008 - FINANCIAL BOOST FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

Road safety in the ACT will receive a funding boost of $320,000 from the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust's 2008/2009 Grant Program, Chairman Professor Don Aitkin AO announced today.

9 APRIL 2008 - STUDY CONFIRMS FIRST AID TRAINING SAVES LIVES ON ROADS

A study to be released on 10 April 2008 into the prevalence of first aid training among ACT motorists has confirmed that the application of basic first aid treatment at the scene of a road crash has assisted in saving lives. The study was funded by a grant of $71,000 to Flinders University and undertaken by Professor Paul Arbon AM.

According to the report, it has been estimated that some 7% of Australia's road fatalities could be saved as a result of basic first aid measures taken at the scene of a crash.

18 MARCH 2008 - KINGS HIGHWAY - SPEEDING AND DANGEROUS DRIVING TARGETED

Speeding and dangerous driving will be the iey driving behaviours targetted over the forthcoming Easter and school holiday period. Operation Coast roads will involve the deployment of variable message signs at selected locations along the Highway - supported by a high visibile police presence. The campaign is being funded by the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust and the NSW Roads and Trafic Authority.

6 DECEMBER 2007 - BOOST FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

Road safety in the ACT will receive a boost in the next financial year from projects to be funded by grants from the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust's 2008/2009 Grant Program. The Trust is inviting submissions from the community for project funding from the Trust, which will be allocating up to two hundred thousand dollars in grants under the forthcoming program. Applications close on 15 Februry 2008 and the application can be downloaded from the grants application section of the website.

27 NOVEMBER 2007 - CAMPAIGN TARGETS SPEED ON THE KINGS HIGHWAY

A road safety campaign that will target speed and dangerous driving ion the Kings Highway over the forthcoming holiday period was launched in Civic Centre on 28 November 2007. Known as Operation Coast Roads, the campaign involves the deployment of five variable message signs at selected locations along the Highway - supported by a highly visible police presence. The $17,000 campaign is being jointly funded by the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust and the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.

24 SEPTEMBER 2007 - INNOVATIVE ROAD SAFETY RESEARCH UNVEILED IN CANBERRA

The National Museum of Australia was the venue on 25 September 2007 for a Road Safety Postgraduate Scholarship Event organised by the Trust. The Showcase Event featured six of Australia's next generation of road safety researchers who delivered a range of presentations on cutting edge research. Mr John Hargreaves MLA, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services opened the Event.

31 JULY 2007 - FINANCIAL BOOST FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

Road safety in the ACT will receive a funding boost of $324,000 from the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust's 2007/2008 Grant Program, Chairman of the Trust Profesor Don Aitkin AO has announced.

The grants cover a range of initiatives including funding to the University of Canberra of $113,720 for drug driving research and a grant of $36,000 to Kidsafe ACT for the extension of its road safety awareness program into primary schools. See the media statement for more details.

5 JULY 2007 - STUDY CONFIRMS ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS FOR INTERSTATE DRIVING

A recent report commissioned by the Trust comparing the amount of travel by ACT drivers in NSW with their travel in the ACT has found they have over three times the risk of being involved in a fatal crash in NSW than in the ACT.

3 JULY 2007 - SCHOOL BIKE SAFETY PROGRAM REVIEW PRODUCES MIXED RESULTS

A recent review of the two bicycle education programs for primary school children operating in the ACT has endorsed the Bike Ed program delivered by Pedal Power, but has recommended the cessation of Traffic Centre Road Safety Package delivered by the AFP.

The main concern with the AFP program was the use of the Belconnen Traffic Centre. Research indicates off-road centres such as this, do not adequately simulate real traffic environment and can inadvertentaly encourage students to become over-confident about their ability to cope safely in traffic."

18 JUNE 2007 - CANBERRA RAIDERS' HOME GAMES THE VENUE FOR DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN

'The Canberra Raiders' home games at Canberra Stadium are featuring a drink drive slogan "Stay out of the sin bin - don't drink and drive" on rotational signave the full length of the eastern side of the field. Jointly funded by the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust and the ACT Government at a cost of $19,250 the campaing will continue for the remainder of the season.

This is the third year of the campaign and the length of signage this year has doubled that of previous years. The slogan occupies 99 metres of the rotational signage and rotates some twenty times during the main game. Additional exposure occurs with home games being shown on pay TV. Any free-to-air televised games add significantly to the reach.

3 MAY 2007 - TELEVISION CAMPAIGN URGES MOTORISTS TO DEMAND VEHICLE SAFETY

A campaign urging car buyers to demand safety techologies when buying a new car was launched on 6 May 2007 on Canberra's three commercial radio stations. The campaign focuses on two life-saving technologies - Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side curtain airbags. Research indicates that ESC can reduce single car crashes by as much as 40%.

The campaign is being funded by the Trust at a cost of $37,000 and uses commercials developed by Victoria's Transport Accident Commission.

26 MARCH 2007 - DRIVER FATIGUE: DR KARL TO DELIVER A WAKE-UP CALL

An awareness campaign on the dangers of driving while fatigued will be launched by well known science broadcaster Dr Karl Kruszelnicki at the National Museum of Australia on Wednesday 28 March 2007 at 10am. The campaign is a joint initiative between the Trust and Yass Valley and Upper Lachlan Councils - with other partners being the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority and NRMA Motoring & Services.

11 MARCH 2007 - STUDY IDENTIFIES FUTURE ROAD SAFETY NEEDS FOR AGEING AUSTRALIANS

A study by the Council on the Ageing (ACT), which identifies a wide range of road safety needs for Canberra's ageing population, was launched at the Chief Minister's Breakfast on 12 March 2007. The $50,000 study was funded by the Trust and makes thirty seven recommendations aimed at increasing the level of community awareness of emerging road safety needs. The report is available under the Reports section. NB: It is a large report running to some 240 pages.

7 MARCH 2007 - OLDER DRIVERS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT HEALTH IMPACTS ON DRIVING

A study commissioned by the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust has found some seventy percent of older drivers had accurate knowledge about the main health conditions that could impact on driving. The research was undertaken by the ANU's Ageing Research Unit, which surveyed 323 drivers aged 65 years and older from Canberra and the surrounding rural region.

The study also re-affirmed the importance of the general practitioner to older drivers as a source of information on health issues related to driving. "Older drivers need to ensure they are fully informed on health issues," Professor Don Aitkin AO, Chairman of the Trust said. "In this regard, the older driver's health practitioner has an important role."

See the Reports section for the full report.

31 JANUARY 2007 - ROAD SAFETY PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS BRAIN INJURED PEOPLE

The Chairman of the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust Professor Don Aitkin AO presented the National Brain Injury Foundation with a new plasma widescreen television for the benefit of the residents in the Dorothy Sales cottages in Hughes. The Trust, WIN Television and The Good Guys combined to donate the television, which will enhance the quality of life of people rehabilitating from Acquired Brain Injury.

11 DECEMBER 2006 - EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR DRINK DRIVING OFFENDERS EFFECTIVE

An evaluation of the Sober Drive Program, which is designed to assist drink drivers not to re-offend, has confirmed participants who complete the program are less likely to drink and drive.

7 DECEMBER 2006 - BOOST FOR ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT

The Trust is currently inviting applications from the community for the 2007-2008 Grant Program. While the Trust welcomes any road safety proposal, it is particularly interested in receiving submissions in the areas of (1) better understanding and influencing the speeding behaviour of motorits and (2) innovative strategies to minimise the potential for drivers to drink and drive. Applications will close on Friday 2 March 2007 and can be downloaded from the Trust's website (under Grant Program).

20 NOVEMBER 2006 - STUDY CONFIRMS THE EXPERTISE OF PARAMEDICS AT MULTI-CASUALTY CRASH SCENES

A study of the experiences of ACT and South Australian Ambulance Services has confirmed paramedics attending crashes with multiple casualties use a combination of expert judgment and standard triage practices to prioritise patient care. This Australian-first research was funded by the Trust at a cost of $43,000 and undertaken by the Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, University of Canberra and The Canberra Hospital. See the Media Statement and Report for more details.

19 OCTOBER 2006 - OLDER DRIVERS KEEP THEMSELVES SAFE - RESEARCH

Two Trust-funded studies by Monash University Accident Research Centre have found that many older drivers are keeping themselves safe on the roads by regulating when, where and how they drive. The number of older drivers on Australia's roads is increasing as baby-boomers, who grew up with the car, age and keep driving. These studies are aimed at better understanding older driver behaviour and factors that could affect future crash rates.

4 SEPTEMBER 2006 - PRESENTATION OF WINSTON CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIP FOR ROAD SAFETY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Mr Rifaat Shoukrallah, Manager, Traffic Management and Safety, ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services will be presented with the Winston Churchill Fellowship for Road Safety today by His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Mr Shoukrallah will study the effectiveness of road safety engineering measures in a number of countries including Sweden and the United Kingdom to ascertain their suitability for the ACT and the rest of Australia. The NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust has sponsored this particular Churchill Fellowship since 1996.

20 JULY 2006 - ROAD SAFETY IN THE ACT AND REGION FUNDING BOOST

Road safety in the ACT and region will receive a funding boost of $762,000 from the Trust's 2006/2007 Grant Program announced today by the Chairman Professor Don Aitkin AO. Twenty one innovative projects have been approved for funding and they range from a $37,840 grant to Kidsafe ACT for the purchase of 200 replacement baby capsules for its Infant Restraint Loan Service to a commitment of over $150,000 for a range of older driver initiatives. Details of the Program are outlined in the Trust's media statement and its attachment.

13 JULY 2006 - WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO INTRODUCE SCHOOL CHILDREN TO ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION?

A report commissioned by the Trust recommends that a holistic and sequential road safety curriculum should be developed into ACT schools that covers all years of schooling from preschool to Year 12. The report identifies Years 2 to 7 as the key area to focus road safety education, given its potential to establish life-long safe behaviours. The educational resource packages would build on each other and incorporate a problem solving approach to an issue such as speed.

6 JULY 2006 - DRIVER FATIGUE ACT DRIVERS NEED A WAKE-UP CALL

Fatigue is a significant contributor to road trauma and most drivers will admit to having had a fatigue-related experience while driving. A report commissioned by the NRMA ACT Road Safety Trust has found that while ACT drivers understand the hazards of fatigue driving and the potential to fall asleep at the wheel, many of the techniques adopted to counter fatigue have limited effect such as winding down the window or singing loudly.

20 JUNE 2006 - BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM - ST JUDE'S GRADUATES A CLASS

A bicycle safety education program currently running at St Jude's Primary School at Holder will graduate eighteen students on Wednesday 21 June 2006. These Year 4 students have completed a six weeks basic course and will be presented with their Level 1 Certificates of Achievement by Trustee Dr Angus McIntosh OAM.

29 May 2006 - TRUST FUNDED GRAVEL ROAD AWARENESS PROJECT WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

A gravel road awareness campaign heavily financed by the Trust has won a prestigious road safety award for the Yass Valley and Upper Lachlan Councils. The Annual Conference of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia NSW Division in Sydney last week presented the 2006 Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Award to the Councils.

16 May 2006 - RISK TAKING WHO DOES IT?

Download:

Report on risk taking by young drivers (Microsoft Word Document - 714k) Media Release 16 May 2006 (Microsoft Word Document - 33k)

15 March 2006 - ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TARGETS SPEED AND USE OF MOBILE PHONES

Download:

Jenny (AVI Video File - 2090k) Media Release 15 March 2006 (Microsoft Word Document - 31k) Wipe Off 5 (AVI Video File - 2152k)

3 February 2006 - MOTORCYCLE SAFETY ON ROAD RISK MANAGEMENT COURSE LAUNCHED

Download:

Media Release 3 February 2006 (Microsoft Word Document - 32k)

9 November 2005 - TELEVISION CAMPAIGN TARGETS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

Download:

Media Release 9 November 2005 (Microsoft Word Document - 32k)