Research Projects

Our research goals and purpose


The WACRSR's purpose is to conduct high-quality research to educate, inform, and facilitate the reduction of crash and injury on WA roads, using the Safe Systems Approach. This innovative approach has changed the way we think about road safety entirely, taking a bigger picture view of interactions between different parts of the road transport system –  road quality, the ways we use roads, the speed we travel at and the vehicles we use – so that human mistakes do not have to result in death or serious injury.

One day, we'd like to see road-related harm to the Western Australian community eliminated entirely. This may seem like an impossible task, and it is one we do not take lightly. However, we have brought together the best minds to achieve it.

 

“A genuinely transformational change is needed to move away from approaches that amount to a coping mechanism to one that proactively fixes the problem once and for all.”

National Road Safety Strategy

Projects

PhD opportunities
  • Fully funded PhD scholarship - Investigating the Safety Performance of Multi-lane Roundabouts Under Varying Traffic and Operational Conditions
  • Fully funded PhD scholarship - Western Australia Centre for Road Safety Research (WACRSR) and Road Safety Commission (RSC) PhD scholarship
  • University competitive PhD scholarships - Domestic students open around October. International students open around August. 
Main Roads WA

Main Roads current projects:

  • A deep dive analysis of motorcycle crashes in WA (nearly complete hopefully will be able to provide a link around November)
  • A Deep Dive Analysis of the strategic drivers of Fatal Road crashes in Western Australia (WA)
  • Investigating the Relationship Between Midblock Sight Distance Deficiencies and Crash Occurrence Using LiDAR Data on the Western Australian State Road Network. 
  • Identifying Optimal Conditions for the use of DQ Flows Pedestrian and Cyclist Flow Estimates within Greater Perth
  • Validation of Pedestrian and Bicycle Exposure Estimates in the AusRAP Star Rating Data for Western Australia

Main Roads  completed projects:

  • Simulator Evaluation of Turbo Roundabout Safety and Performance for Australian Drivers
  • Modification of Dragon’s Teeth Treatment: Integrated Safety Analysis Road Safety Interventions in WA Regional Towns
  • Safety evaluation of the Kwinana Smart Freeway
  • Program Evaluation of the safety benefits and cost effectiveness of the Regional Road Safety Program in Western Australia from 2020 to 2022.
  • Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Metropolitan Intersection Program
  • Detailed analysis into crashes on the South Western Hwy
  • An evaluation of the State Black Spot Program 2013-2020 using advanced statistical methods
  •  Safety assessment of Western Australia’s smart freeways – Kwinana Freeway Northbound Farrington road to Narrows
  • Detailed Analysis into Crashes on South Western Highway (SWH) in the South West region of Western Australia
  • Predicting traffic volume on WA's local network
  • Evaluation of the safety benefits and cost effectiveness of the Metropolitan Intersection Crash (MIC) Program in Western Australia from 2012/13 to 2021/2022
  • Efficacy and safety performance of ‘sharks teeth’ road markings
  • Zig Zag Line Marking Evaluation - data analysis
  • Operational Characteristics of Turbo Roundabouts
  • A comprehensive analysis of daytime and night-time crashes in WA from 2010 to 2020
  • A safety assessment of horizontal curves on the WA rural road network

 

 

Other Current Projects
Future project opportunities
  • Evaluating the impact of alcohol hangover on attention and hazard perception
  • ADHD, Executive Functioning and Obtaining a Driver’s License: A Qualitative Study
  • The Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Theory of Mind on Driving Experiences for Individuals in Western Australia
  • Are more dynamic road signs safer: A driving simulation study
  • Does listening to music reduce inattentional blindness for motorcycles?
  • Comparing presence versus impairment testing in driver safety and occupational health and safety protocols as it relates to specifically to cannabis; cost, benefits, drawbacks and efficacy
  • Improving Road Safety for Vulnerable Road Users with simulation systems and Autonomous Vehicles