Citation

Delaney AK, Corben BF, Langford J, Newstead SV, Jacques N, Daly P. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2003; 7(1): 46-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Fatal and serious injuries resulting from vehicle collisions with fixed roadside hazards make up, arguably, the single largest component of all road trauma in Victoria. This paper outlines a study that examined the nature and extent of the crash problem and the need for a new approach to roadside safety. Analysis of Victorian crash data from 1996 to 2000 is used to define the nature and extent of the problem of fixed-object crashes. Crash frequency and severity, and road user and environmental factors that are over-represented in them are identified. Having regard to these crash characteristics, liability and accountability issues are examined. In particular, the recent elimination of the nonfeasance defence is discussed in the context of increasing the incentive for responsible authorities to improve roadside safety. Finally, world's best practice in roadside safety is examined and the effectiveness of the current design guidelines is questioned. It appears the current design guidelines have failed in substantially reducing the frequency or severity of collisions with fixed roadside objects.