Casr report series
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7.1Gaps in researchEvidence indicates that accreditation improves the safety of accredited heavy vehicle operations, including reductions in crash risk. There would appear to be a number of benefits to be derived from increasing the number of accredited heavy vehicle operations. In keeping with this there are a number of research options that may inform strategies for improving upon existing accreditation rates. Research quantifying the nature and value of the benefits associated with accreditation may be used to improve the profile of accreditation schemes and provide non-accredited organisations with tangible evidence of improved safety and productivity their operation could achieve through accreditation. A further line of research should attempt to identify the barriers for adopting accreditation. Such research should consider, amongst other issues, differences in accreditation rates by operation size and type (e.g., type of cargo, short haul vs long haul, etc.). A better understanding of why heavy vehicle operators are not accredited will enable the development of strategies to address those barriers and improve existing accreditation rates. 8Overview and conclusionsThis section is intended to provide a general synthesis of the evidence gleaned from this research scan. Recommendations are made with regard to potential research areas that have the potential to offer cost-effective improvements to heavy vehicle road safety. Currently, leading road safety nations have adopted a systems based approach to road safety which is based on the principle that road users make mistakes and that the road system needs to better accommodate these mistakes when they occur. Governments will be using the Safe Systems approach to road safety when considering heavy vehicle road safety over the next decade. 8.1Heavy vehicle crashesInvestigations of HV crashes provide valuable information regarding the characteristics and causes of these crashes. These statistics and research indicate that single vehicle crashes, particularly loss of control type crashes (e.g., run off road and rollover), account for the majority of HV crashes. The key causal factors of these crashes include inappropriate or excessive speed and fatigue. The mechanical condition of the vehicle and the characteristics and distribution of the load also influence these crash types. Statistics also indicate that articulated HVs are more often involved in crashes than rigid HVs. This is likely due to differences in the transportation tasks for which these vehicles are used. Articulated HVs are used for long haul interstate transportation involving long working hours and greater travel distances in rural areas, whereas rigid HVs are more commonly used for short haul purposes in urban locations. The characteristics of HV crashes are well researched and documented however continued observations of HV crash trends over time should be maintained. There is a bias towards investigating severe HV crashes and there would also be benefit in researching minor HV crashes to determine why more serious outcomes did not occur. 8.2Road and vehicle designIt is clear that there are certain design features of a road that present safety issues for HV drivers. However, treatments such as the sealing of shoulders along HV routes offer a simple and cost effective means to address these risks. A further means for reducing the risks associated with road design features can be addressed by vehicle design and vehicle technologies. On-board warning systems can be used in conjunction with ITS to forewarn drivers of potential hazards allowing them to take proactive steps to reduce those risks. For example, warning drivers that their speed may be inappropriate for an upcoming bend will enable them to slow to a more appropriate speed before entering the curve. ISA technologies can further reduce HV risks associated with speed. Other technologies such as ESC, VSS, YSC, and EBS that improve the stability and control of the vehicle under everyday or emergency driving conditions also have the potential to improve HV safety. Digital short range communications (DSRC) also hold significant potential for improving the operational safety of all vehicles on the road network. The design of HVs are such that they have high aggressivity, which presents significant risk to other road users, and varied crash worthiness, which can present a risk to the HV driver. Improvements in either or both of these areas through design or manufacturing processes would produce safety benefits. 8.3Human and social factorsFatigue is an issue of primary concern for the HV industry, particularly among long haul drivers. A number of advances in knowledge and management of fatigue and fatigue issues have been made however, there is clearly more to be done (see section 4.1). Perhaps one of the most significant findings of this scan (with regard to fatigue) is the apparent discrepancy between drivers and managers with regard to the effectiveness with which fatigue is managed. It would appear that fatigue management strategies are in place however, the reality of the manner in which these are executed or maintained under the real world pressures of scheduling and the drive for increased productivity appears to limit their effectiveness. There are a number of general and mental health issues (including substance use) associated with HV safety that are at least as common among HV drivers as amongst the wider Australian population. Effectively addressing these issues would be of value for the HV industry and all other road users and also improve the general well-being of HV drivers themselves. 8.4Speed management and enforcementThe evidence outlined within this research scan indicates that speed is an issue for heavy vehicle safety. Due to the proportions involved, low level speeding amongst HVs remains a significant safety issue. Speed limiters and ISA offer safety benefits with regard to the management of HV speed. Police enforcement campaigns play an important role in affecting the behaviour of all road users. Evidence indicates that a variety of strategies produce a number of safety benefits. High visibility operations effectively reduce speeds on targeted roads and, to a lesser extent, surrounding roads, although this effect is relatively short lived following the cessation of police operations. The immediacy of enforcement appears to further influence the effectiveness of enforcement strategies with immediate punishment (i.e., stopping a driver detected breaking the law) having a greater effect than delayed punishments (i.e., receiving a fine in the mail). This does not suggest however that delayed punishments have no effect as research has demonstrated that speed cameras are also an effective means for lowering average speeds and reducing crashes on roads where they are installed. With regard to managing compliance with the many regulations that govern HV operations throughout Australia the advent of telematics, and vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies appears set to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of enforcement. Research into HV specific enforcement would be beneficial to determine the safety effects of differing enforcement strategies, especially in relation to speed. |