Road - Safety - Strategy Arrive Alive 2008-2017

victoria’s road safety strategy: Arrive alive 2008-2017
Victorians are more likely to

die violently as the result of
a road crash than from any
other cause.
Victorians are more likely to die violently as the arrive alive 2008-2017 sets out how the Victorian By working together, we can substantially
result of a road crash than from any other cause. Government will continue its leadership in road reduce serious casualties from road crashes
safety to deliver a safer system for all road users and spare many Victorian families the grief of
Every life we lose on our roads is one too many.
and make a significant reduction to road trauma. suffering the loss or serious injury of a loved one
Road trauma causes great pain and heartbreak
on our roads.
to those Victorians who lose family and friends Road safety is a shared responsibility and all
in road crashes – and places a huge economic Victorians can contribute to safer roads and
burden on our entire community. safer driving behaviour.
contents
CONTENTS 2 2. SAFER VEHICLES 20
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER 4 3. SAFER ROAD USERS 24
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTERS 6 3.1 Speed and speeding 24
HIGHLIGHTS 8 3.2 Drink driving 26
ROAD SAFETY IN VICTORIA 10 3.3 Drug driving 28
TOWARDS A SAFE SYSTEM 12 3.4 Fatigued driving 30
INVOLVING ALL VICTORIANS 14 3.5 Driver distraction 32
1. SAFER ROADS AND ROADSIDES 16 3.6 Young drivers 34
1.1 Run-off-road crashes 17 3.7 Older drivers 36
1.2 Side impact crashes 17 3.8 Motorcyclists 38
1.3 Rear-end crashes 17 3.9 Pedestrians 40
1.4 Head-on crashes 18 3.10 Cyclists 43
1.5 Level crossing crashes 18 3.11 Heavy vehicle drivers 44
VICTORIA’S ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY: ARRIVE ALIVE 2008-2017 2 www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au

3.12 Public transport users 46 MANAGING THE STRATEGY 55
3.13 Country road users 46 Partnerships 55
MAKING THE STRATEGY WORK 50 ROAD SAFETY MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 56
How the strategy will work 50
Time frame 50
Measuring performance 50
Action plans 50
Areas of action 51
Community education and awareness 51
Enforcement and deterrence 51
Legislation 52
Road safety technology 52
Infrastructure 53
Licensing 53
Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies 54
Research and data 54
Photos: VicRoads and Department of Infrastructure.

message
from the premier
Road trauma has a devastating and long lasting impact on individuals, lowest road tolls since records began. Prior to the introduction of arrive alive the
families and communities. For those who lose a loved one in a road crash – annual road toll was 444, compared to 332 in 2007, a reduction of 25 per cent.
or those who are seriously injured or permanently disabled – the emotional
and personal costs are immeasurable. Those personal costs extend to the This achievement reflects not only the Government’s tough approach to
police, paramedics and emergency workers who attend road crashes, road safety, but also the commitment of Victorian road users to driving
and to the doctors and nurses who deal with the distressing consequences and travelling more safely. However, we must not become complacent.
of accidents. The fact remains that road trauma kills and maims thousands of
Victorians every year. More young people die from road crashes than from
In 1970 over a thousand Victorians lost their lives in road crashes. Since then, any other cause. Alongside those who lose their lives on our roads, over
Victoria has made a strong and determined effort to reduce road trauma and 7,000 Victorians are seriously injured in road crashes each year.
is recognised as a world leader in road safety. The introduction of compulsory
seatbelts, random breath testing, improved roads, an effective speed These people are part of our hidden road toll; the people who bear the
management system and highly visible public advertising campaigns have all enormous and often ongoing social costs, the personal and emotional pain
played a part in significantly improving road safety in our state. that road trauma creates.
One of Victoria’s great success stories is the arrive alive strategy, which Victoria’s new 10 year road safety strategy arrive alive 2008-2017 builds
on the significant achievements of the 2002-2007 strategy.
has played a vital part in substantially reducing the state’s road toll and has
prevented some 580 deaths. In the five years to 2007, Victoria recorded its

While continuing to deliver the successful elements of the arrive alive The Victorian Government makes no apologies for being tough on road safety.
strategy, we are introducing new actions and initiatives to further improve But we also recognise that road safety is a shared community responsibility
road safety and create a safer transport system. By the end of the arrive in which everyone has a part to play. I urge all Victorians to get behind the
alive 2008-2017 strategy, the Government aims to have reduced the road arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy and work together to reduce the senseless
toll by 30 per cent. By the end of 2017 the strategy will save an extra 100 and unnecessary deaths and injuries on our roads.
lives a year, prevent over 2,000 serious injuries a year and reduce the
severity of serious injuries.
These new targets are ambitious and achieving them will require a
partnership approach between the Government and the entire
Victorian community.
John Brumby - Premier of Victoria

message
from the ministers
When it comes to road safety, Victorians have already achieved a great deal. At the same time, we are using new evidence, methods and technologies
But we can – and must – do more. to increase our road safety efforts.
In 2006, the Government released the Meeting Our Transport Challenges Since 1999, the Government has allocated in excess of $500 million to deliver
action plan, which will invest an unprecedented $10.5 billion to improve targeted road safety infrastructure programs. This has included the
Victoria’s transport system over the next decade. Meeting Our Transport $240 million TAC funded Statewide Blackspot Program, the biggest of its
Challenges provides a major boost in funding for road safety, including the kind in Australian history and the ground breaking $240 million Safer Roads
development of a new road safety strategy. arrive alive 2008-2017 meets this Program currently underway.
commitment and delivers new actions and investments to further reduce the
The arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy sees Victoria formally incorporating
state’s road toll and improve safety on our roads.
the Safe System approach to road safety. In taking this step, the
arrive alive 2008-2017 builds on the strong foundation put in place by Government is making a firm commitment to the principles of the Safe
Victoria’s previous – and highly successful – road safety strategy. System approach and to making this approach the foundation of our future
actions in road safety.
Under the new strategy, the Government continues to invest in road
safety initiatives with a proven track record – initiatives that have saved
the lives of many Victorians.

The Safe System approach recognises that, even with the best preventive With the best known road safety measures in place, our challenge is to
programs in place, road crashes will still occur – and aims to build a road continue making significant road safety gains by being just as resolute in
system that offers maximum protection to all users by providing safer tackling more difficult and testing issues and behaviour.
road infrastructure, increasing the proportion of safe vehicles on our roads
and improving the safe behaviour of road users by targeting areas such as arrive alive 2008-2017 sets out a strong framework to meet this challenge.
speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigued driving and driver distraction. We look forward to working with the Victorian community to deliver arrive
alive 2008-2017 and to ensure that Victoria continues to be a world leader
Victoria has established an internationally recognised record in road safety in road safety.
by resolutely tackling the main causes of road trauma.
Bob Cameron - Minister for Police Tim Holding - Minister responsible Tim Pallas - Minister for Roads
and Emergency Services for the Transport Accident Commission and Ports

highlights
arrive alive 2008-2017 builds on Victoria’s strong road safety record and OUR NEW ACTIONS
introduces new actions and targets to save lives, reduce road crashes and While continuing to deliver proven road safety measures, arrive alive
improve safety on Victoria’s roads over the 10 years from 2008 to 2017. 2008-2017 introduces major new initiatives with significant potential
to reduce road trauma, including:
OUR NEW TARGETS
By the end of arrive alive 2008-2017, the Victorian Government aims to reduce • Introducing a requirement for registration that all new vehicles
deaths and serious injuries by 30 per cent. By the end of 2017 the strategy will: manufactured after 31 December 2010 be fitted with electronic stability
control and all new vehicles manufactured after 31 December 2011 be
• save an extra 100 lives a year
fitted with head protecting technology (such as side curtain airbags)
• prevent over 2,000 serious injuries a year should a national system not be in place at this time.
• reduce the severity of serious injuries. • New media and public awareness campaigns to encourage consumer
Meeting these targets will significantly reduce the emotional, physical and demand for vehicles with high safety ratings and advanced safety
financial impact of road trauma on individuals, families and communities. It features and technologies. The Government will play a vital leadership
will keep Victoria at the forefront of Australian and international efforts to role by committing to purchase safer vehicles.
reduce road trauma, deliver further major improvements to our road transport • A new graduated licensing system (GLS) for young drivers is to
system, and improve safety for all Victorian road users. commence on 1 July 2008 to ensure that young Victorians gain
adequate supervision and experience as learners, and to introduce a
new two stage P1 and P2 probationary licence system before moving
to a full licence. This new system will also introduce a peer passenger
restriction for P1 drivers in their first year.

• A major infrastructure program delivering unprecedented investment OUR NEW APPROACH
of $650 million to improve road and roadside infrastructure across For the first time, Victoria is formally incorporating the Safe System approach
Victoria, with a focus on reducing the most common types of crashes, to road safety into the arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy. This approach aims to
together with an expanded Greyspot program and its emphasis on create a much safer road environment in which alert and responsible road
proactive treatments. users should not lose their lives – or be permanently disabled – as a result of a
crash on our road system.
• A tough new focus on reducing drug driving through public awareness
campaigns and a heightened enforcement effort, including an expanded The Safe System values the health and wellbeing of road users and takes
program of roadside drug testing and ensuring the routine alcohol and human error into account while focusing on:
drug testing of all drivers involved in serious injury crashes.
−− improving the safety of Victoria’s roads and roadsides
• A crackdown on road users who place the community at risk by using −− increasing the safety of vehicles on Victoria’s roads
intelligence based policing to target specific anti-social behaviour, such −− improving the safe behaviour of Victorian road users.
as repeat drink driving and speeding offenders, hoons on country roads
While Victoria’s road safety agencies adopted the Safe System approach
and heavy vehicle drivers and operators who fail to comply with safety
in 2003, arrive alive 2008-2017 formally endorses the approach as the
standards and speed limits.
foundation for the Victorian Government’s future road safety activities and
These actions – and others – will be implemented over the duration investments. The Safe System commits the Government to developing
of arrive alive 2008-2017 through the development of three short term a community-wide culture of road safety and to creating a safer road
action plans. These plans will keep the strategy on track and effective, environment across Victoria.
respond to emerging road safety trends and challenges, and make sure
that we achieve our targets.

road safety
in victoria
VICTORIA’S ROAD SAFETY RECORD
Victoria’s roads and road users are amongst the safest in the world. Over the last five years, initiatives delivered under arrive alive! 2002-2007
have prevented some 580 deaths and reduced by 11 per cent people admitted
This safety record reflects the success of Victoria’s evidence led approach to to hospital for more than one day.
improving road safety through a comprehensive range of initiatives delivered
in a close working partnership between the Victorian Government, local
government and community groups.
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Victoria’s fatality rate of 6.38 per 100,000 in 2007 is lower than the average for the rest of Since 1990, annual road fatalities in Victoria have declined from 548
Australia which is 8.1. to 332 in 2007.
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Significant improvements in road safety were achieved under arrive alive! Jurisdictions with the best road safety records, such as Sweden and the
2002-2007 through actions that included: Netherlands, recognise safety as a key component of their transport systems,
and have made significant road safety advances by understanding how to
−− targeting high risk behaviours such as speeding and drink driving most effectively modify the system to protect road users.
−− implementing enforcement, education and awareness initiatives to
ensure that an increasing majority of motorists comply with the road This Safe System approach recognises the benefits to be gained from an
rules overarching strategy that delivers safer travel through safer vehicles, safer
−− undertaking extensive research and development to gain a better roads and roadsides, and safer road users. The Safe System approach forms
understanding of the causes of road crashes and the most effective the basis for the development and management of the arrive alive 2008-2017
means to reduce road trauma strategy to be delivered by the Victorian Government and its agencies,
−− substantially improving the safety of the state’s road network including the Transport Accident Commission, Victoria Police, the Department
through increased investment in road safety infrastructure, including of Justice and VicRoads.
Australia’s largest ever targeted accident blackspot program.
Through arrive alive 2008-2017, the Victorian Government will take action to
While these actions will continue to play an important role in improving road improve safety for all road users, promoting a community wide culture of road
safety in Victoria, further reductions in the road toll require increased effort safety and creating a safer road environment across Victoria.
and new targets, actions and investment. Over the next 10 years, the Government will increase its efforts to ensure that
fewer lives are lost on our roads and that Victoria continues to be a leader in
Over the next 10 years, Victoria’s population growth and the increasing
reducing the impact of road trauma on individuals, families and communities.
demand for travel and freight will generate new challenges in road safety.
To meet these challenges and further reduce the road toll, Victoria must
do more than simply sustain the existing level of road safety effort.
For example, based on Victoria’s projected population growth alone, if the
current rate of fatalities per 100,000 head of population was maintained,
the state’s road toll would increase 11 per cent to 375 by the year 2017.

towards
a safe system
Victoria’s move towards a Safe System approach to road safety represents The Safe System approach encourages a better understanding of the interaction
a significant shift in thinking about road safety. By taking a total view of the between the key elements of the road system: road users, vehicles, roads
combined factors involved in road safety, the Safe System approach aims to and roadsides, and travel speeds. Exploring these interactions maximises the
design and build a transport system that will protect responsible road users and potential advantage of initiatives in reducing deaths and injuries from linking
reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. different road safety activities.
The Safe System approach recognises that even with a focus on prevention, road Under the Safe System approach, road users have a responsibility to comply
crashes will occur – therefore, the road system must be designed to be more with the rules to ensure that they act within the limits of the system’s design.
forgiving of human error and attempt to manage crash forces to survivable
The table below shows the estimated crash impact speeds, based on the safest
levels, while reducing the contribution of unsafe road user behaviour to road
vehicles, where the forces are likely to exceed the tolerance of the human body
crashes.
(in other words, those crashes that are likely to result in death or serious injury).
A Safe System is one where the likelihood of a road crash is reduced, and
where any crash that does occur minimises death and serious injury. The Safe IMPACT SPEED ROAD USER TYPE CRASH TYPE
System approach identifies the shared responsibility of road system and vehicle 30km/h+ Vehicle occupant Side impact crash with
fixed roadside objects
designers, providers and users in achieving this outcome.
such as poles and trees
40km/h+ Pedestrian, cyclist, Impact with other vehicles
Achieving a Safe System of road travel is based on an understanding that the
motorcyclist
human body is vulnerable and unlikely to survive an uncushioned impact at
50km/h+ Vehicle occupant Side impact crash with
a speed of more than 30km/h. Even relatively low speeds can kill or seriously another vehicle
injure unless the vehicle and the road and roadside environment take account of 70km/h+ Vehicle occupant Head-on crash with
the physical vulnerability of all road users. a similar vehicle

The Safe System approach includes: DELIVERING THE SAFE SYSTEM
−− designing and maintaining roads and roadsides to reduce risk to as The Safe System will deliver reductions in deaths and severity of injuries
low as reasonably practical by co-ordinating the management of all the components of the transport
−− setting speed limits according to the safety of the road and roadside system that impact on safety. The diagram below shows the main system
−− advising, educating and encouraging road users to comply with road components and relationships.
rules, be unimpaired and alert, and drive according to the prevailing
conditions
−− encouraging consumers to purchase safer vehicles with primary
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involving
all victorians
Improving road safety requires a community effort - and all Victorian road Greater levels of community participation in road safety have already been
users share a responsibility to help make our roads safer. achieved in Victoria through:
Substantial benefits can be achieved by involving the community in road safety −− ongoing strong partnerships between Victorian Government agencies
activities as much as possible. Community participation in road safety is and community organisations
essential for: −− highly effective public education, awareness and advertising
campaigns
−− providing government and other decision makers with a clear and −− locally based programs that address specific local issues
accurate understanding of the public’s priorities and needs, especially −− the major role played by local government in delivering initiatives that
at the local level directly affect road safety
−− maintaining strong public support for road safety initiatives −− the substantial contribution made by Victoria’s 24 Roadsafe
−− disseminating information quickly at the local level Community Road Safety Councils, which act as effective advocates for
−− ensuring the effective delivery of services road safety within local communities
−− taking road safety messages to as wide an audience as possible, −− opportunities for road users to contribute to the development of road
especially to groups within the community that are hard to reach safety strategies and initiatives.
−− encouraging people to act as advocates for road safety.

Community consultation for arrive alive 2008-2017
The Government will continue consulting with Victorian road users about the The Victorian Government recognises that ongoing community
most effective ways to improve road safety. Consultation for the development engagement and consultation is essential to successfully implementing
of the arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy has been undertaken across the arrive alive 2008-2017, and will continue to support community partnerships
Victorian community, including representatives from local government, and consultation mechanisms to deliver positive and lasting changes in the
research institutes, road user groups, health and education organisations and attitudes and responses of Victorians to road safety.
emergency services.

1. SAFER ROADS
AND ROADSIDES
Within the Safe System approach, arrive alive 2008-2017 addresses three critical infrastructure, arrive alive 2008-2017 will make a major contribution towards
elements: safer roads and roadsides, safer vehicles and safer road users. reducing the number and severity of these common types of road crashes.
By adopting effective measures in each of these areas, and with the Over the last five years the most common crash types (run-off-road, side
impact at intersection, rear-end and head-on) account for 72 per cent of all
co-operation and support of Victorian road users, arrive alive 2008-2017 will fatal and serious injury crashes on Victoria’s roads each year.
significantly improve road safety across the state and substantially reduce the
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incidence of deaths and serious injuries on Victorian roads.
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Improving the safety of roads and roadsides will provide a much safer
environment for all road users in Victoria. '*
The likelihood of Victorians being killed or seriously injured as a result of

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program which is a proactive safety program targeting outer metropolitan and
rural intersections. Intersections that have been identified as a road safety *
concern by the community and others are eligible for treatments.
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1.1 Run-off-road crashes Side impact crashes account for an average of 45 deaths on Victoria’s roads each year.
A run-off-road crash occurs when a vehicle leaves the road and often collides
What the strategy will do
with a roadside object such as a tree or a pole.
Measures to reduce the incidence and severity of side impact crashes will include:
Run-off-road crashes account for an average of 140 deaths on Victoria’s roads
each year. • Designing new roads, roadsides and intersections, monitoring and
improving existing roads to the safest levels practicable.
arrive alive 2008-2017 will reduce the incidence and severity of run-off-road • Increasing the enforcement of road rules at intersections.
crashes through measures that include: • Reviewing speed limits at higher risk intersections.
• Designing new roads and roadsides, monitoring and improving existing 1.3 Rear-end crashes
roads to the safest levels practicable through infrastructure treatments Rear-end crashes account for an average of nine deaths on Victoria’s
including safety barriers, rumble lines, shoulder sealing, and removal/ roads each year.
relocation of roadside hazards and objects.
• Setting speed limits according to the safety standards of roads and Measures to achieve the arrive alive 2008-2017 target for rear-end crashes
roadsides. will include:
• Streamline requirements to remove or trim native vegetation in order to
• Designing new roads and roadsides, monitoring and improving existing
maintain the safety and efficiency of the road.
roads to the safest levels practicable including skid resistance treatments.
1.2 Side impact INTERSECTION crashes
• Setting speed limits according to the safety standards of roads and
A side impact crash is one in which the first point of impact is on the side of a roadsides.
vehicle where there is little vehicle protection for occupants. This type of crash
• Increasing the strategic enforcement effort, for example, by developing and
usually occurs at intersections.
using technology to deter vehicles from travelling too close to one another.
SAFER ROADS AND ROADSIDES (Continued)
1.4 Head-on crashes • Infrastructure programs to progressively upgrade safety at level crossings
in Melbourne and provincial Victoria. Measures to improve rail level
Head-on crashes account for an average of 59 deaths on Victoria’s roads each year.
crossing safety will include automated advance warning signs at
What the strategy will do highway and high volume sites and placing rumble strips on the road
Measures taken under arrive alive 2008-2017 to reduce the incidence and to alert motorists that they are approaching rail level crossings.
severity of head-on crashes will include:
• Streamline requirements to remove or trim native vegetation in
• Designing new roads and roadsides, and improving existing roads to the order to maintain the safety and visibility of rail level crossings and
safest levels practicable including overtaking lanes, duplication, centre- their approaches.
road barriers, and centre-line rumble lines.
IMPROVING ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
• Setting speed limits according to the safety standards of roads
Targeted improvements to road infrastructure will help to save the lives
and roadsides.
of Victorians and reduce the severity of injuries in road crashes. arrive
alive 2008-2017 will deliver a combination of targeted infrastructure
1.5 Level crossing crashes improvements across Victoria.
While level crossing crashes between vehicles and trains are small in number Safety barriers
they are generally very severe in terms of deaths and injuries and can have Steel guardrails and wire rope safety barriers are highly effective in
devastating effects on communities. absorbing the impact of vehicles travelling at high speeds. In particular,
What the strategy will do wire rope barriers can reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by up to
Measures to reduce the incidence of these types of crashes will include: 90 per cent. A combination of these barriers will be installed at places
where there is a high risk of cars running off the road and hitting trees
and other roadside objects.

Removal of hazards from the roadside
Deaths and serious injuries in run-off-road crashes are strongly linked to • Roundabouts – which can reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by
collisions with trees and other objects on the roadside. In some locations, up to 85 per cent and are the most effective way to reduce serious
removing trees and other objects close to the roadside will give motorists injury crashes at intersections because they require motorists
a greater chance of survival if they run off the road. to significantly reduce their speed when approaching and travelling
Sealing of road shoulders through an intersection.
Shoulder sealing will be used to provide a smoother, more stable surface • Traffic lights – which will be installed at intersections to control
at the road’s outer edge and minimise the chances of motorists losing heavy volumes of traffic and complex traffic movements which
control of their vehicles and running off the road. would not be effectively managed with a roundabout treatment.
In some cases, the sequence of existing traffic lights will be
Improved signage and road guidance altered to ease congestion and allow more time for difficult turns.
Lack of awareness of road conditions can be a factor in run-off-road
crashes. Improvements that help drivers to become more aware of the • Traffic separation – which will improve safety at intersections by
road environment will include line marking, ‘cats eyes’ reflective road creating a better separation between traffic turning and travelling
markers, and warning and advisory speed signs at locations with high through the intersection. Improvements will include better lane
crash risks. marking, traffic islands and separate lanes for left and
right turning vehicles.
Intersection improvements • Rumble strips – will be installed at certain locations which will
A number of infrastructure improvements will be made to reduce alert motorists that they are approaching intersections and
the risk and severity of intersection crashes, including: rail level crossings.

2. safer
vehicles
Increasing the proportion of vehicles on Victoria’s roads with high standard Improving the average level of safety of vehicles on Victoria’s roads – as
safety features will substantially reduce risks for all road users – drivers, measured by crashworthiness ratings and the presence of electronic stability
passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. control, side curtain air bags and other head protecting technologies – will
significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries resulting from crashes.
Vehicles with high standard safety features reduce not only the likelihood
of crashes occurring, but also the severity of crash outcomes on all those To achieve these improvements, manufacturers, government agencies and
involved, whether they are inside or outside the vehicle. consumers must work together to raise the standard of vehicle safety and to
ensure that Victoria and Australia catch up with and match the best practice
Australasian research indicates that if each motorist upgraded their vehicle to vehicle safety standards set in Europe and the United States.
the safest in its class, road trauma would immediately drop by up to one-third.
Next generation technologies such as intelligent speed assist (ISA) and
About 85 per cent of new cars tested by the Australasian New Car fatigue monitoring devices must also be refined and demonstrated to develop
Assessment Program (ANCAP) in 2006 achieved a four or five star safety a market for these products.
rating compared to only 69 per cent in 2001.
With corporate safety initiatives in their infancy, it is also important for
In Victoria in 2006, approximately 20 per cent of all new vehicles sold achieved companies – both public and private – to be encouraged and supported in
the maximum safety rating of five stars, compared to some countries in introducing safe vehicle lease/purchase policies.
Europe where 85 per cent of vehicles sold achieve the maximum rating. The
take up of advanced safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC)
is about 70 per cent in new vehicles sold in leading European countries.
In Victoria, less than 40 per cent of new vehicles sold have this lifesaving
technology and only about a third have side curtain airbags. These take up
rates are above the average take up rates for the rest of the nation.

What the strategy will do • Encouraging customer take up of Australasian New Car Assessment
arrive alive 2008-2017 will improve vehicle safety in Victoria through the Program (ANCAP) and Used Car Safety Rating information when
following measures: purchasing vehicles.
• Accelerating the introduction of vehicle safety features, in particular • Addressing OHS issues in co-operation with WorkSafe to ensure that
electronic stability control and head protecting technologies such as side helpful and accurate guidance is provided to fleet managers when
curtain airbags. choosing vehicles for employees.
• Raising awareness of and, in turn, creating consumer and organisational • Assessing and demonstrating next generation safety technologies
demand for vehicle safety features including intelligent speed assist, with a view to creating future markets for the most effective of these
electronic stability control, air bags, seatbelt reminders, anti-lock braking, technologies.
and frontal protection. • Working with vehicle manufacturers and the ANCAP Board to enable
• Exploring opportunities to provide incentives for consumers to purchase consumers to be aware of the safety ratings of cars at the time of
safer vehicles. purchase.
• Directly supporting the conduct of crash testing and database analysis

to ensure that contemporary and scientifically accurate information is
available to the Victorian community about the safety performance of new
and used cars.

SAFER VEHICLES (Continued)
IMPROVING VEHICLE SAFETY Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Safer vehicles on our roads means fewer lives lost and fewer Victorians ESC helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding,
suffering serious injuries in road crashes. New standards, features and or losing control as a result of oversteering. It uses computer control
technologies are now available to consumers, vehicle builders and road technology to apply individual brakes to bring the car safely back on
designers to significantly improve the safety of vehicles on Victorian roads track, without the danger of fishtailing. Australian research indicates that
over the next 10 years. The Government will play a vital leadership role by ESC reduces the risk of single vehicle crashes, across all vehicle types,
committing to purchase safer vehicles. by approximately 30 per cent. For 4WD vehicles, the crash risk can be
reduced by over 50 per cent.
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) /
Used Car Safety Ratings Side curtain air bags
New and used car safety ratings provide an indication of a vehicle’s ability Side curtain air bags, which deploy from the roof-rail above the door,
to protect its occupants and other road users in a crash. These can be provide head and neck protection for front and rear seat passengers,
used to measure improvements in the average crash rating of vehicles particularly in the event of a side impact crash. Research from the USA
on Victoria’s roads. It is vital that these results are communicated to indicates that this technology can reduce the risk of death in a side impact
consumers to help them to make safe choices when buying a car. crash by up to 40 per cent.

Next generation technologies Fleet vehicles
Next generation technologies such as intelligent speed assist (ISA), lane With around one-quarter of road fatalities involving fleet vehicles,
departure warning systems and fatigue monitoring devices have the encouraging the purchase of fleet vehicles with high level safety features
potential to reduce crashes and save lives. Intelligent speed assist (ISA) has the potential to significantly improve road safety. The flow-on benefits
for instance automatically warns a driver when they intentionally or from safe fleet vehicles are considerable, given that about one-half of new
inadvertently travel over the speed limit. Most ISA systems establish the vehicles in Australia are purchased for commercial purposes and most of
position of the vehicle on the road, and compares the current speed of these enter the private vehicle market within two to three years.
the vehicle with the speed limit at that location. The system then issues
warnings if the vehicle exceeds this limit. The Government will play a vital leadership role by committing to
purchase safer vehicles and mandating the use of electronic stability
These technologies need to be assessed and demonstrated, with a view to control (ESC) and head protecting technologies in its fleet.
developing future markets for those which are most effective.

3. safer
road users
While arrive alive 2008-2017 commits the Victorian Government to improving The risk of a crash increases significantly even with small increases in speed.
9H7I>H?IA
the state’s road system, all Victorians share a responsibility to use the system Travelling at 65 km/h in a 60 km/h zone doubles the risk of a crash.*
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safely and responsibly, and with consideration for other road users. -
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,
A safe road system is a partnership between government and road users. The
+
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Government is committed to providing a world leading traffic safety system
that assists individual road users to travel safely and efficiently. By complying *
with the requirements of this system, such as following the road rules and )
driving safely, road users will ensure that all Victorians benefit from public
(
investment in road safety, as well as making a vital contribution to saving lives
and reducing serious injuries on our roads. '
&
3.1 Speed and speeding
%
Travel speed affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of ** +% +* ,% ,*
injuries sustained when a crash does happen. Even small increases in vehicle JH7L;BB?D=IF;;:ac%^
speed significantly impact on road safety risks.
* Kloeden, C. N., McLean, A. J., Moore, V. M. & Ponte, G. 1997. Travelling Speed and the Risk of
Speeding and inappropriate travel speeds directly contribute to at least Crash Involvement. Federal Office of Road Safety, Canberra, page 391.
30 per cent of deaths on Victoria’s roads each year. Impact speeds are a
crucial determinant of the severity in all crashes, making it vital that speeds
are managed to optimise road safety outcomes.

Several issues are critical to managing travel speeds: Measures can also be taken to prevent recidivist speed offenders who lose
their licences from continuing to speed when they return to driving/riding.
Infrastructure: Setting speed limits according to the safety standards of roads
and roadsides is an effective measure to reduce the incidence and severity of What the strategy will do
crashes. For higher risk sections of roads where infrastructure improvement
is not economically feasible, or would not reduce risk, speed limit reductions arrive alive 2008-2017 will take action to reduce the incidence of speeding
should be considered. and the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by speeding through
measures that include:
Vehicle technology: Increasing the proportion of vehicles with top speed
• Setting speed limits according to the safety of roads and roadsides.
limiting devices and intelligent speed assist (ISA) will significantly reduce the
incidence of speeding. • Promoting greater compliance with speed limits through:
−− increasing motorist awareness of the speed/crash relationship
Education: Educating drivers about the crash risks associated with speeding
−− increasing enforcement measures that target the small minority
and the severe impacts on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists
of motorists who put safe road users at risk with anti-social
and motorcyclists are important elements in reducing speeding. Increasing
speeding behaviour
awareness of speed-related issues needs to address the common myths: that
−− improving signage to assist motorists to comply with speed limits
low level speeding is not a safety issue, that speed management measures do
−− increasing the proportion of vehicles with intelligent speed assist
not reduce road trauma, and that enforcement is designed to raise revenue.
(ISA) and top speed limiting devices to assist motorists to comply
Enforcement: One highly effective way to reduce the incidence of speeding with speed limits.
is through enforcement. Using appropriate intelligence, police can target
speeding at high risk times and locations with on-road patrols and safety
camera technology.

SAFER ROAD USERS (Continued)
3.2 Drink driving Several issues are important in delivering an effective response to drink
Drink driving contributes up to 30 per cent of driver and rider deaths on driving in Victoria:
Victoria’s roads each year.
Drink driving data: There are gaps in the current processes used to
While there is approximately an equal number of drink driving deaths in establish the blood alcohol concentration of drivers who are injured in
metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria, when population is taken into crashes, but not killed. These gaps compromise the development and
account motorists on country roads are more than twice as likely to be killed effectiveness of drink driving countermeasures.
in drink driving crashes compared to motorists on metropolitan roads.
Drink driving in rural areas: The high rate of drink driving in the country
On a per head basis, motorists on country roads are more than twice as likely to be
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killed in drink driving crashes compared to motorists on Melbourne roads.
reflects both the difficulties in applying random breath testing effectively in
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Recidivist drink drivers: Research shows that repeat drink drivers often
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Measures taken through arrive alive 2008-2017 to reduce the incidence of
drink driving will include:
• Increasing enforcement of drink driving laws, targeting high risk locations • Extending the alcohol interlock program to young and inexperienced
and times for drink driving. motorists, and strongly encouraging the voluntary take up of alcohol
• Following discussions with the emergency hospital sector, ensuring the interlocks.
routine blood sampling of all drivers who are injured in crashes. • Encouraging vehicle manufacturers to include alcohol interlocks in the
• Undertaking specially targeted programs to tackle drink driving on design of new vehicles.
country roads. • Developing and assessing mandatory rehabilitation programs for recidivist
• Educating motorists to: drink drivers as a condition of relicensing.
- understand the drink driving/crash risk even at low levels of • Examining tougher sanctions for recidivist drink drivers, including
consumption, particularly for younger drivers extension of vehicle immobilisation/impoundment provisions.
- be aware of police enforcement and likelihood of detection • Encouraging responsible alcohol serving practices and workplace policies
that reduce the likelihood of drink driving behaviour.
- plan alternatives to driving when intending to consume alcohol
- use public and approved personal breath testing devices.

3.3 Drug driving Issues affecting Victoria’s response to drug driving include:
Drug driving where one or more illicit drugs are present is found in
Drug driving data: There are gaps in the current processes used to establish
approximately 40 per cent of driver deaths on Victoria’s roads each year.
whether drugs are present in drivers who are injured in crashes, but not
Random drug testing of drivers in Victoria shows that one driver in 48 tests killed. These gaps compromise the development and effectiveness of drug
positively to the presence of illicit drugs. driving countermeasures.
Prescription medication: The impact of prescription medication on road user

behaviour is currently unclear. In the context of an ageing population, it is
important that research continues into the impacts of prescription drugs on
road user behaviour to develop effective road safety measures.

Measures to reduce the incidence of drug driving will include:
• More targeted enforcement through roadside drug testing programs. • Following discussions with the emergency hospital sector, ensuring the
routine blood sampling of all drivers who are injured in crashes, but not
• Educating motorists to better understand the drug driving /crash risk
killed.
relationship, and the high risk of detection.
• Exploring the introduction of a drug interlock program to separate driving
• Undertaking research to increase understanding of the role of both illicit
from drug use, similar to the alcohol interlock program.
and prescription drugs on road safety.

3.4 Fatigued driving Several issues are critical to reducing the impact of fatigued driving:
While the contribution of fatigue to road trauma is difficult to assess, it is
Fatigued driving in rural areas: Fatigue related crashes are significantly
estimated that fatigue is a factor in 20 per cent of driver deaths on Victoria’s
more prevalent on country roads compared to roads in metropolitan
roads each year.
Melbourne. Specific countermeasures can help to address the higher risk
The risk of being involved in a fatigue related crash is at least three times higher on country roads.
between 2 am and 4 am, compared to the safest time of midday to 2 pm.
Public education: Public education is a key mechanism to address fatigued
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Enforcement: While it is difficult to deter fatigued driving in the passenger
vehicle fleet through enforcement, heavy vehicle operators can be targeted
'#* using Chain of Responsibility laws. Addressing fatigued driving among
non-heavy vehicle operators in the future will require an emphasis on
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technological advancements, rather than enforcement.
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Vehicle technology: Research will continue into in-vehicle fatigue warning and
&#% detection devices. However, the only effective cure for fatigue is sleep.
This should be kept in mind when assessing in-vehicle devices to reduce
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fatigue related crashes.
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Infrastructure: Engineering treatments designed to address head-on crashes What the strategy will do
are effective ways to address fatigue related crashes, with fatigue estimated to Measures taken through arrive alive 2008-2017 to reduce the incidence and
contribute to more than half of all fatal head-on crashes. Similarly, measures severity of fatigue related crashes will include:
to reduce the crash severity of run-off-road crashes will also limit the impact
• Increasing enforcement and enforceability of Chain of Responsibility laws.
of fatigue on trauma.
• Increasing motorist awareness of the fatigue/crash relationship.
Heavy vehicles: Heavy vehicles are estimated to be involved in twice as
many fatigue related crashes as other vehicles. While this does not • Designing and modifying roads and roadsides to address head-on and
necessarily mean that the truck driver is the fatigued person in these run-off-road crashes through treatments such as road duplication,
crashes, it does identify the heavy vehicle industry as a key audience for roadside and centre-road barriers, centre-road rumble lines, overtaking
education about fatigue. lanes and removing roadside hazards such as trees and poles.
• Improving existing and providing additional rest stop facilities.
• Encouraging the development of new in-vehicle technologies that identify
the onset of fatigue.
• Developing a robust test for fatigue to strengthen enforcement.

3.5 Driver distraction With growing consumer demand for potentially distracting in-vehicle
There is a growing body of evidence that driver distractions, both within technology, it is important to identify the extent to which this technology
vehicles and in the road environment, are becoming an increasingly large is being used, the associated road safety risks and any effective
cause of road trauma. countermeasures.
In the USA, it is estimated that approximately one-quarter of vehicle crashes Other distractions, such as conversing with passengers and changing
results from the driver being inattentive or distracted. music, can also distract the driver. Research suggests that for some drivers,
passengers are a greater source of distraction than mobile phones or other
As wireless communication, entertainment and driver assistance systems electronic devices.
proliferate across the vehicle market, there are concerns that distraction-
Out-of-vehicle distractions: Poorly considered roadside signage and
related crashes may escalate.
advertising can generate visual clutter, creating a distraction for drivers.
Several issues are important in responding effectively to driver distraction: A more strategic approach is required regarding the installation, use and
content of scrolling, moving and video style advertising.
Driver distraction data: Collecting comprehensive crash information is
an important first step in addressing road safety risks related to driver Vehicle technology/design: Vehicle design has a major impact on the potential
distraction. This information should provide a better understanding of the distracting effects of new in-vehicle technologies. Ways of improving the
prevalence of driver involvement in distracting activities, and be used to safety of in-vehicle technology and its use requires ongoing investigation and
develop effective means of addressing road safety risks. development, in liaison with vehicle designers and manufacturers.
Public education: Education campaigns have the potential to raise awareness

In-vehicle driver distractions: Technology based in-vehicle driver distractions
of both the known risks related to distraction and driving, and of the limits of
include mobile phones and entertainment systems such as radio, CD and DVD
and the optimal use of in-vehicle technologies to minimise distraction. Driver
players. Using a mobile phone, whether hand held or hands free, is estimated
licensing processes are also effective channels through which road users can
to increase crash risk by up to four times.
be educated about driver distraction risk.

Measures to reduce the incidence and severity of driver distraction related

crashes will include:
• Conducting research to ascertain the prevalence of mobile phone use, and • Engaging vehicle manufacturers in establishing appropriate design
other in-vehicle technologies by drivers in Victoria to quantify the problem principles in relation to in-vehicle technology.
and provide benchmarks for developing and evaluating countermeasures. • Undertaking targeted public education campaigns to highlight the road
• Engaging behavioural scientists to review guidelines for the regulation of safety dangers associated with distraction from electronic
all roadside signage and advertising, including location, size and content. in-vehicle devices, and with everyday distractions such as conversing with
passengers.
• Trialling innovative enforcement techniques to detect illegal mobile phone
use. • Including awareness of driver distraction in the driver licensing processes.

3.6 young drivers
Young drivers are defined as motorists aged 18 to 25 years. Several issues are important in reducing the involvement of young drivers in
Approximately 44 young drivers are killed and 990 seriously injured on road crashes:
Victoria’s roads each year. These drivers account for over one-quarter of
driver fatalities, yet represent only 13 per cent of all licensed drivers. Inexperience: Crash risk is highest in the first year of driving. Inexperience is
the most significant factor in young driver crashes.
A young driver in their first year of probationary driving is in the most vulnerable group
of all road users. Probationary drivers are involved in casualty crashes at three times Multiple passengers: Research shows that carrying multiple passengers
the rate of experienced drivers. significantly increases the risk of an inexperienced driver being involved in
'%% a fatal crash. The risk of a probationary driver being involved in a fatal crash
&-% increases four fold with two or more passengers. Around 26 per cent of first
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&)% passengers, but only nine per cent of their total driving and seven per cent of
&'% their trips involve driving with two or more passengers. Multiple passengers,
&%% in particular a group of alcohol affected peer passengers, pose a dangerous
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Risk taking: Young novice drivers face high levels of risk when making the
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transition from supervised to solo driving. Lack of experience and increased
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risk taking, such as drink driving and speeding, contribute to increased crash
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Annual number of drivers in casualty crashes per 10,000 licences and learner permits (2002-2006)

Drink driving: Alcohol is a contributing factor in some 20 per cent of deaths What the strategy will do
in drivers aged 18 to 20 years and some 50 per cent of deaths in drivers aged Measures taken through arrive alive 2008-2017 to improve young driver safety
21 to 25 years. include the following:
Vehicle safety: Young drivers are more likely to drive smaller, older cars that • Introducing a new graduated licensing system that will ease young
are less crashworthy and have fewer safety features. This places them and drivers into the driving task and assist in ensuring that the issue of driver
their passengers at greater risk of serious injury or death in the event of a inexperience is addressed systematically.
crash. Promoting vehicle safety features to drivers in the market to purchase • Introducing a new P1 (one year) and P2 (three year) probationary licence
their first vehicle is an important measure to improve young driver safety. system, with more restrictions in the P1 period, and a requirement for a
The risk of a probationary driver being involved in a fatal crash increases four fold if
good driving record to progress through licence stages to a full licence.
they are carrying two or more passengers. • A peer passenger restriction for P1 drivers, who will be limited to driving
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with one peer passenger.
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assist (ISA) to reduce risks among young drivers.

3.7 Older drivers A number of issues are important in improving road safety for older
Older drivers are defined as those aged 75 years and above. Victorians:
Drivers aged 75 years and over represent approximately four per cent of Vehicle safety: The physical fragility of older road users means that they are at
Victoria’s population and account for five per cent of fatalities and three per a particularly high risk of serious injury or death from crashes. Encouraging
cent of serious injuries. the purchase of safe vehicles that offer high levels of occupant protection is an
important measure to improve safety for older drivers and their passengers.
In the context of an ageing population, older road user safety will continue Older occupant safety can be improved by the correct wearing of seatbelts
to be a key concern for an increasingly large percentage of the Victorian and by the purchase of vehicles with a high occupant protection rating.
community. Encouraging drivers to prepare for the effects of ageing on their
mobility will be critical to addressing risks for older drivers. Mobility: It is important that older people maintain their mobility for as long
as possible. This can be facilitated through the promotion of self-regulation,
encouraging older drivers to avoid driving in conditions in which they feel
threatened or uncomfortable.
Mobility for older persons can also be facilitated by expanding alternative

local transport services, encouraging older drivers to become familiar
with alternative means of travel before they need to stop driving, and
assisting older drivers, their families, health professionals and community
organisations to assist in a person’s transition from driver to non-driver.

Prescription medication: Some medical conditions are more prevalent with Infrastructure: Complex traffic situations such as intersections, multi-lane
age, and the medications prescribed to deal with these can have an adverse roads and busy, fast moving traffic present challenges for older drivers. Older
effect on safe driving. Investigating the effects of prescription medication drivers can experience difficulties interacting with the road environment as
on driving, particularly among older road users, is an important element in current road design practices do not always take into account their specific
developing effective road safety measures. needs.
Increased physical frailty: Once involved in a crash, older road users are at It is important for traffic engineers to take into account the changed
extremely high risk of severe injury because of their greater frailty compared capabilities of older drivers and avoid standard assumptions about driver
to younger people. Improved detection of visual and cognitive problems will capabilities in the design and upgrade of roads and roadsides.
enable better targeted countermeasures to be introduced to reduce the injury
risk to older road users.

What the strategy will do 3.8 Motorcyclists
Measures to improve older driver safety will include: Approximately 46 motorcyclists (including pillion passengers) are killed on
• Improving road design and signage, and amending land use planning Victoria’s roads each year. Motorcyclists are approximately 30 times more
guidelines to accommodate the needs of older drivers. likely to sustain fatal or serious injury per kilometre travelled than other
vehicle occupants.
• Encouraging older drivers to purchase vehicles with high level
crashworthiness ratings. Motorcyclists and pillion passengers account for approximately 14 per cent
• Encouraging and educating older drivers to self-regulate driving ability. of the road toll, yet motorcycles make up only three per cent of all registered
vehicles in Victoria.
• Encouraging older drivers to learn to use alternative forms of transport.
• Developing educational programs which raise awareness of the eventual Trends in motorcycle and pillion fatalities since 2002 have been encouraging
need to stop driving and how to plan for this. with an average 20 per cent reduction in Victoria compared to a 15 per cent
increase in fatalities for the rest of Australia.
• Conducting research to increase understanding of the crash risks for
older road users associated with visual and/or cognitive impairment, and Based on age, motorcyclists are more likely to be killed or seriously injured
the effects of medical conditions and medications. when they are between 21 and 36 years old, rather than between 18 and 25
• Improving driver licensing processes, to include cognitive and improved for drivers. This reflects the increasing popularity of motorcycling among
eyesight screening for older drivers considered to be at risk. older riders, many of whom return to motorcycling after a long break during
which riding skills may deteriorate.
• Developing education strategies to address older driver safety issues for
drivers, health professionals, family, friends and caregivers.
• Developing and piloting local transport services for older Victorians.
• Providing assistance for older drivers to use alternative transport modes.

A number of issues need to be considered in improving safety The most vulnerable (i.e killed or seriously injured) age range for motorcyclists is 21
for motorcyclists: to 36. This compares to the age range of 18 to 25 for drivers.
Older motorcycle riders: A demographic shift has seen the popularity of
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around 75 per cent of all motorcyclist fatalities. Improvements to roads and (#%
roadsides, including intersections, will significantly increase motorcyclist safety '#*
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What the strategy will do 3.9 pedestrians
arrive alive 2008-2017 will take measures to improve motorcyclist safety Each year on average 51 pedestrians are killed on Victoria’s roads.
that include: Several issues are critical to improving road safety for pedestrians:
• Improving road and roadside design to the safest levels practicable for Speed limits: Lower speed limits significantly improve safety for pedestrians.
motorcyclists including motorcycle Blackspot treatments and A pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling at 40km/h or more is unlikely to survive.
Blacklength treatments on popular motorcycle routes. Preliminary
analysis of the motorcycle Blackspot program has found a 38 per cent Intoxicated pedestrians: Intoxicated pedestrians are at a particularly high risk of
reduction in motorcycle casualty crashes at treated locations. being killed in a crash. Pedestrians with a BAC of .05 or greater represent more
• Encouraging motorcycle manufacturers to develop new technologies that than half of all deaths of pedestrians aged 16 to 49 years.
will help prevent motorcycle crashes and protect riders. These include Alcohol is a significant issue in fatalities involving pedestrians aged
between 21 and 49.
motorcycle airbags and integrated braking systems.
+%
• Introducing improved training programs and licensing systems for riders

to enhance the defensive riding skills of inexperienced riders. *%
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• Educating drivers to be aware of motorcyclists on the road and their safety

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requirements.
• Promoting the use of high standard protective wear by motorcyclists. '%
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Older pedestrians: Although people aged 65 and older represent less than 14 Vehicle safety: The design of vehicles contributes significantly to the severity
per cent of the population, they feature in 32 per cent of pedestrian deaths. of injuries sustained by a pedestrian in a collision. For instance, a pedestrian
Improving safety for older pedestrians is particularly important given that older struck by a van or four wheel drive with a high bumper is much more likely to
people are more likely to rely on walking for transportation, and in the context incur serious head injuries than when struck by a bonnet type passenger car.
of an ageing population. Infrastructure: Providing vehicle-free paths and facilities for pedestrians is an
Motorised mobility devices: Motorised mobility devices are included in the extremely effective way of improving their safety. Similarly, barrier fencing and
definition of pedestrians. Clear guidelines need to be developed for the use of guardrails on road edges and medians also effectively reduces risks for pedestrians.
these devices. As speed is a key contributor to pedestrian road trauma, traffic calming
Children: Children aged 16 years and younger account for 14 per cent of all measures such as speed humps and roundabouts that reduce the speed of
pedestrian fatalities, with risks increasing significantly for children when vehicles in local streets also reduce road safety risks.
they begin school. In addition, the increasing numbers of children being
driven to school highlights the need for parental education on road safety
around schools.

3.9 pedestrians (Continued)
Measures taken to improve pedestrian safety under arrive alive 2008-2017 will • Reviewing the penalties for illegal pedestrian behaviour and accompanying
include: police enforcement to ensure that penalties reflect the seriousness of the
offence and the road safety impact.
• Designing new roads and roadsides, and improving existing roads to
the safest levels practicable for pedestrians including traffic calming • Reviewing Australian Design Rules to ensure that pedestrian safety
measures, safety fence and barrier treatments, and improved standards are addressed by vehicle designers.
crossing facilities. • Influencing town planning and residential layout to facilitate safe travel
• Increasing off-road walking paths and facilities that separate pedestrians for pedestrians.
from motorised traffic.
• Setting speed limits according to the safety standards of locations with
high pedestrian activity.
• Conducting targeted public education campaigns to encourage safe
walking practices.
• Conducting consumer awareness raising campaigns to discourage
purchase of large, aggressive vehicles, including those with rigid bull bars,
and to increase take up of vehicles with features that do less harm
to pedestrians.
• Improving compliance with road rules by all motorised and non motorised
road users using enforcement and education.

3.10 Cyclists What the strategy will do
On average, eight cyclists are killed on Victoria’s roads each year. Measures taken to improve cyclist safety under arrive alive 2008-2017 will include:
• D
esigning new roads and roadsides, and improving existing roads to the
Several issues are critical to improving road safety for cyclists:
safest levels practicable for cyclists including traffic calming measures,
Speed limits: Lower speed limits significantly improve safety for cyclists. safety fence and barrier treatments, and improved crossing facilities.
A cyclist struck by a vehicle travelling at 40km/h or more is unlikely • Increasing off-road cycling paths and facilities that separate cyclists from
to survive. motorised traffic.
Vehicle safety: The design of vehicles contributes significantly to the severity • S

etting speed limits according to the safety standards of locations with
of injuries sustained by a cyclist in a collision. For instance, a cyclist struck high cyclist activity.
by a van or four wheel drive with a high bumper is much more likely to incur • C
onducting targeted public education campaigns to encourage safe
serious head injuries than when struck by a bonnet type passenger car. cycling practices.
Infrastructure: Providing vehicle-free paths and facilities for cyclists is an • C
onducting consumer awareness raising campaigns to discourage
extremely effective way of improving their safety. purchase of large, aggressive vehicles, including those with rigid bull
bars, and to increase take up of vehicles with features that do less
As speed is a key contributor to cyclist road trauma, traffic calming measures
harm to cyclists.
such as speed humps and roundabouts that reduce the speed of vehicles in
• Improving compliance with road rules by all motorised and non-motorised
local streets also reduce road safety risks.
road users using enforcement and education.
• R
eview the existing legislation to ensure that cyclists can be charged with
serious traffic offences similar to those applied to drivers.
• Influencing town planning and residential layout to facilitate safe travel for cyclists.

3.11 HeAVY VEHICLE DRIVERS be prevented if seatbelt use rates were similar to those achieved in passenger
Approximately 12 heavy vehicle drivers and 59 other road users are killed each vehicles. Education programs, targeted enforcement and OHS regulations
year on Victoria’s roads from crashes involving heavy vehicles. that require employers to ensure safe operations for workers are important
measures to reduce risks to heavy vehicle drivers from non-seatbelt use.
A number of issues are relevant to reducing the incidence of road crashes
involving heavy vehicles: Safer roads: Ongoing improvements to road and roadside infrastructure
will help to support the anticipated growth in heavy vehicle traffic without
Increase in the freight task: An efficient road freight industry is vital to increases in truck crash casualties. The provision of strategically located rest
Victoria’s economy. Forecasts by the Bureau of Transport and Regional stops for heavy vehicles is a key initiative to reduce fatigue risks for heavy
Economics (BTRE) predict the freight task in Australia will double by 2020 with vehicle drivers.
road transport being the dominant mode. The challenge and task ahead is to
develop and implement strategies which more than offset the impact of this Speed management: Around seven per cent of heavy vehicle drivers exceed
growth. The Government is also committed to developing strategies aimed at the posted speed limit on country roads. It is estimated that if heavy vehicle
increasing the amount of freight transported by rail. speeding was completely eliminated, around 25 per cent of serious casualties
involving a heavy vehicle could be prevented.
Heavy vehicle crash responsibility: Research shows that heavy vehicle drivers
are responsible, or partly responsible, for only 30 per cent of fatal crashes While there is a requirement for heavy vehicles to be fitted with speed limiters,
involving trucks. Well developed and targeted education campaigns play an data indicates that there are many non-compliant heavy vehicles on the road.
important part in making all road users aware of how to interact safely with Targeted enforcement of heavy vehicles for speed limit compliance is a key
heavy vehicles. element in improving safety for all road users.
Seatbelt use: A significant contributor to heavy vehicle driver deaths and

serious injuries is the low seatbelt wearing rates of these drivers. It is
estimated that 40 per cent to 50 per cent of heavy vehicle driver deaths could

Driver impairment: Surveys indicate that fatigued driving is a regular part What the strategy will do
of the work experience of many heavy vehicle drivers. Further, there is a Measures taken under the arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy to improve the
close relationship between fatigue and illicit drug use, with some heavy safety of heavy vehicle drivers and all road users will include:
vehicle drivers using illicit stimulant drugs to manage the impact of fatigue.
Improving the management of the heavy vehicle industry through the • Improving road and roadside infrastructure to better accommodate heavy
enforcement of legislation such as that related to Chain of Responsibility and vehicles and the forecast increase in the freight task.
OHS will improve working conditions and reduce the incidence of impaired • Undertaking education campaigns to increase awareness of risks for
driving by heavy vehicle drivers. The Chain of Responsibility means that heavy vehicle drivers and all road users who interact with heavy vehicles.
anybody, not just the driver, who has control in a transport operation can be • Investigating changes to Australian Design Rules to improve the safety of
held responsible for breaches of road laws and may be made legally liable. heavy vehicles.
Safer heavy vehicles: Heavy vehicles with improved seatbelt systems, • Targeting enforcement of speed, seatbelt, Chain of Responsibility
improved cabin strength and better underrun protection have the potential and OHS laws.
to improve safety for all road users. These improvements could be achieved • Targeting enforcement of drug/drink driving within the heavy
through the introduction of Australian Design Rules for heavy vehicle cabin vehicle industry.
strength, and front, rear and side underrun protection.
• Encouraging the fitting of intelligent seatbelt reminder systems.

3.12 public transport users 3.13 country road users
Increasing public transport use has the potential to deliver road While significant gains were made under arrive alive! 2002-2007 in reducing
safety benefits. road trauma in metropolitan areas, these achievements were not matched in
country Victoria.
However, there are some major safety risks from public transport use that
may increase as patronage increases. While the number of fatalities and Country road casualties remain disproportionately more numerous per
serious injuries resulting from crashes involving trains, trams and buses population than in Melbourne.
is low, the safety of passengers boarding and alighting trams represents
In 2007, for every 100,000 road users in country Victoria, 12.4 were killed in a road
a challenge which must not be understated. Falls inside trams are also crash, compared to only 4.1 for every 100,000 in metropolitan Melbourne.
common, often caused by a sudden braking of a tram when other road
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Country crash types: Country road users are more at risk of a fatal crash as Fatigue: Fatigue related crashes are far more prevalent in regional areas
a result of a run-off-road or head-on crash. Infrastructure improvements compared to metropolitan Melbourne. Measures such as infrastructure
designed specifically to address these types of crash risks on country roads improvements and targeted education initiatives are essential in order to
and roadsides can significantly reduce risks for country road users. reduce the involvement of fatigue in crashes.
Drink and drug driving: Factoring in population, alcohol is around twice as Level crossing safety: Compared to metropolitan Melbourne, country Victoria
likely to be a contributing factor in fatal crashes on country roads. Reducing has a greater number of level crossings without boom gates or flashing lights,
the incidence of drink driving is a key challenge to improving the road but have ‘STOP’ or ‘GIVE WAY’ signs. Improving level crossing safety will have
safety for country road users. Similarly drug driving is a growing problem significant safety benefits for country road users.
particularly among high risk groups such as young and heavy vehicle drivers.
Heavy vehicles: With most fatalities involving heavy vehicles occurring on
country roads, reducing the road safety risks for heavy vehicles, including
those related to fatigue and speed, will have a positive effect for all country
road users.

Measures to reduce the risks for country road users will include:
• Infrastructure improvements will be made to reduce the risk and
• Undertaking improvements to country roads and roadsides to reduce
severity of country intersection crashes, including roundabouts – which
major crash risks. These will include removing roadside hazards and
can reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by up to 85 per cent – and
installing roadside barriers to address run-off-road crashes.
other safety improvements such as skid resistance treatments, lighting
Steel guardrails and wire rope safety barriers are highly effective in
improvements, vehicle activated signs and conversion of Y intersections to
absorbing the impact of vehicles travelling at high speeds.
safer T intersections.
• Shoulder sealing will be used to provide a smoother, more stable surface
• Carrying out a major program of level crossing safety improvements,
at the road’s outer edge and minimise the chances of motorists losing
including the installation of flashing warning signs at level crossings on
control of their vehicles and running off the road. Additionally, rumble
regional Victorian highways and rumble strips, which are raised road
lines along the shoulder alert motorists that they are travelling too close
strips that alert motorists that a level crossing is ahead. Reduction of
to the edge of the road.
speed limits will also occur at high risk, high road speed rural rail level
• Rumble lines along the centre-line of roads and overtaking lanes are crossings. These infrastructure improvements will be supported by
proven measures that reduce the chances of head-on crashes occurring targeted education, tougher penalties for level crossing infringements
by warning drivers they are crossing on to the wrong side of the road. and enforcement programs.

• Reducing the incidence of drink and drug driving through targeted • Heavy vehicle safety will be improved by implementing a range of actions
initiatives that focus on the issues associated with drink and drug driving. to reduce the risks associated with heavy vehicles, including ongoing
Initiatives including education campaigns will be delivered to improve improvements to road and roadside infrastructure and improving the
driver safety in country Victoria. This will involve working closely with driving practices of other road users sharing the road with heavy vehicles.
licensed premises and sporting clubs. • Improved enforcement of heavy vehicle speeds will be done by ensuring
• Targeted enforcement of drink driving will be carried out using existing the compliance and integrity of heavy vehicle speed limiters which
specialised booze buses for operations in country Victoria and targeted restrict the vehicle’s top speed to 100km/h, and compliance with Chain
enforcement of drug driving in country Victoria will also be undertaken. of Responsibility laws which means that anybody, not just the driver, who
• Priorities to reduce the incidence and severity of fatigue related crashes has control in a transport operation can be held responsible for breaches
will be through new public awareness campaigns, improvements to of road laws.
country rest stop facilities, and infrastructure improvements to reduce
run-off-road crashes and head-on crashes on country roads.

making the
strategy work
HOW THE STRATEGY WILL WORK Measures of injury severity will be monitored using hospital casualty data.
Shorter term action plans and performance measures will be used to ensure The benefits through reductions in the severity of crash outcomes will be
the effectiveness and responsiveness of the arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy measured by those hospitalised for more than 14 days compared to those
across its 10 year time frame. hospitalised for more than one day. These validated measures will determine
trends over time in the severity of injuries.
Time frame
The arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy sets the direction for road safety initiatives Action Plans
in Victoria for the 10 years 2008 to 2017. The time frame of the strategy allows To ensure that the effectiveness of the strategy is sustained across its 10 year
programs requiring an ongoing sustained effort to realise road safety benefits time frame, three shorter term action plans will be developed to deliver the
to be properly planned and delivered. strategy. The action plans will ensure that the strategy remains relevant, effective
and on-track to meet the Victorian Government’s new targets for road safety.
For example, improving the safety features in vehicles – a key element in the
strategy – requires an ongoing public education campaign to first increase Each action plan will deliver a comprehensive range of activities in line with the
consumer awareness and demand for safer vehicles, thereby prompting strategy’s broad directions and initiatives across eight areas of action: public
vehicle manufacturers to respond to consumer led demand. education, enforcement, infrastructure, technology, legislation, licensing,
occupational health and safety, and research and data.
Measuring performance
Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the strategy – and specific Development of the arrive alive 2008-2017 action plans will be informed
road safety initiatives detailed in the arrive alive 2008-2017 action plans – are by ongoing community consultation and evaluation of the progress of the
essential to achieving the strategy’s targets. arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy. The Victorian Government will involve local
government, the Commonwealth Government, RoadSafe Community Road Safety
To ensure these targets are achieved, overall and specific measures will be Councils, other key road safety organisations and the general public in developing
used to monitor performance. These measures will enable progress to be the action plans.
assessed and emerging issues to be identified and addressed.

The success of road safety initiatives set out in each action plan will be Local government, working in collaboration with RoadSafe Community Road
measured against clear performance targets. These targets will ensure the Safety Councils, will have an important role in improving safety on local roads
progressive reduction of fatal and serious injury crashes over the life of the through targeted campaigns that address local road safety issues.
arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy.
arrive alive 2008-2017 recognises that education and information sharing
Areas of action must occur on a two-way basis. Road users need information to be responsible
The arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy and action plans will apply the Safe road users; similarly, road safety decision making organisations such as
System approach to designing and introducing programs that link the various the government, police and road authorities need information about the
components of the strategy to deliver greater cumulative safety benefits. community’s road safety expectations.
Campaigns, projects and investments will be delivered across eight areas of To achieve this important dialogue, arrive alive 2008-2017 will focus on
action, giving maximum effect to Victoria’s efforts to save lives and reduce the strategies designed to deliver a two-way information sharing process between
number of people being seriously injured on our roads. the road user community and road safety decision making organisations.
Community education and awareness Enforcement and deterrence

Road users require current, accurate road safety information to play their part Research shows that the most effective way to improve road user behaviour is
in a Safe System of behaving responsibly and in accordance with the road rules. through a combination of education and enforcement of the road rules.
Under arrive alive 2008-2017, this information will be provided through a Enforcement seeks to ensure that the majority of road users who behave
combination of mass media and targeted education campaigns together responsibly are protected from a minority who put the safety of others in
with the Government’s road safety partners, including RoadSafe Community jeopardy through anti-social behaviour such as drink driving and speeding.
Road Safety Councils, the Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development, and schools and clubs. In addition to traditional media channels, Enforcement of the road rules has been a key factor in reducing Victoria’s
‘new’ communications media will be harnessed. road toll to date, and will continue to be a focus under arrive alive 2008-2017.

HOW THE STRATEGY WILL WORK (Continued)
The enforcement effort will target key contributing factors to road trauma in Under arrive alive 2008-2017, Victoria will continue to lead the way in
Victoria, such as speeding, impaired driving (drugs, alcohol and fatigue) and identifying, developing and introducing a range of the most effective road
restraint use. safety technologies:
Legislation Vehicle technology: Increased consumer take up of vehicles with safety

The enforcement effort can only be effective if underpinned by appropriate features such as electronic stability control and intelligent speed assist has
legislation. the potential to significantly reduce the likelihood of crashes occurring and
the severity of injuries when crashes do occur.
An ongoing priority for arrive alive 2008-2017 and the strategy’s
supporting action plans will be to examine existing legislation and, where One of the most promising measures to decrease the incidence of single
appropriate, amend or introduce new legislation to respond to emerging vehicle run-off-road crashes is electronic stability control in which sensors
road safety trends. detect loss of control and take corrective action. It is estimated that about
40 road deaths could be prevented in Victoria each year if electronic stability
Road safety technology control was fitted in all cars.
Maximising technological developments in the areas of vehicle safety, road
engineering systems, and enforcement devices will reduce the likelihood of Opportunities exist to stimulate the adoption of safer vehicle technology
crashes occurring and the severity of outcomes when they do occur. by raising awareness through publicity, fleet purchasing policies and
encouraging vehicle manufacturers to introduce safety features available in
While the take up of some technologies will be consumer driven, the potential many overseas vehicles.
benefits offered by vehicle-based technologies, in particular, are considerable
and the Victorian Government will take an active and leading approach to their Road and roadside technology: Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-
introduction and promotion. infrastructure road safety related technology, including speed advisory
systems, have the potential to significantly improve safety.

Researching, trialling and implementing these technologies are a priority for A key aspect in delivering the Safe System is to match more effectively the
action under arrive alive 2008-2017. speed of vehicles with the inherent safety of our roads and roadsides.
Enforcement technology: Increasing the use of available technology will Licensing

improve efficiency in enforcing Victoria’s road rules. These technologies Improving the licensing requirements for Victorian motorists will increase
include automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), in-car video systems, a safety for all road users, and particularly the most vulnerable users, such as
variety of speed monitoring equipment including speed camera technology novice drivers and older drivers.
(such as point-to-point and digital cameras), and roadside drug and alcohol
Novice drivers are over represented in crashes by a ratio of three to one
testing devices.
compared to experienced drivers and are at particular risk in the first few
Infrastructure months of driving. The introduction of a new graduated licensing system,
Improving the safety of roads and roadsides is one of the single most effective requiring a minimum number of hours of driving practice, will reduce risk for
measures to reduce the incidence and severity of crashes. young drivers.
Extensive infrastructure based safety improvements will be implemented Older drivers are at increased risk of serious injury and death due to the
under arrive alive 2008-2017 to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from the fragility associated with the ageing process. Under arrive alive 2008-2017
most common crash types on Victoria’s roads. opportunities to reduce this risk will be investigated. To maintain safe mobility,
older drivers will be encouraged to self-regulate their driving. In addition, the
These infrastructure projects will be carefully selected to address the use of conditional licences for medically impaired drivers will be explored.
most frequent and severe crash types. Treatments will include a mix of
proven road safety countermeasures and will be complemented by the
introduction of innovative treatments flowing from the strategy’s research
and development program.

HOW THE STRATEGY WILL WORK (Continued)
For people with serious or life threatening injuries or illnesses, organ or Research and data
tissue transplantation could mean a second chance at life. A consequence of Victoria will remain at the forefront of road safety research through continual
road trauma can often be the need for a donation of life saving organs. The interaction with global experts, the Monash University Accident Research
opportunity will be made for all Victorian drivers at the time of licence renewal Centre (MUARC) and other research specialists. These partnerships will
to indicate they are willing to make an organ donation. provide a better understanding of why crashes happen and how deaths and
injuries can be avoided.
Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies
The development of OHS policies used by the Victorian Government and the A significant step in research will be the establishment of a specific program
private sector that address duty of care issues for employees whose work with MUARC to develop solutions for activities central to achieving strategy
involves driving vehicles has the potential to significantly improve road safety. goals and ensuring targets are achieved.
OHS policies should emphasise safe driving behaviour required of employees, It is important that the collection and analysis of crash related data is
including travel within speed limits and at an appropriate speed, required continually improved to ensure the ongoing development of innovative and
use of seatbelts, discouraging any mobile phone use while the vehicle is in effective road safety countermeasures.
motion, responsible alcohol policies and a zero drug requirement.
arrive alive 2008-2017 will establish better data sets and linkages between
The selection of safe vehicles by fleet purchasers will be a key means to different agencies, creating a repository of rich information to understand
influence safety on our road system. high risk road user behaviours, crashes and their outcomes.

MANAGING
THE STRATEGY
arrive alive 2008-2017 will be managed in partnership with community for Roads and Ports, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services
organisations and through a road safety management structure that includes and the Minister responsible for the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
the Premier and government ministers, and senior officers of Victoria Police,
VicRoads, the Transport Accident Commission and the Department of Justice. The Ministers will provide leadership in the implementation of arrive alive
2008-2017 and development of future action plans and road safety initiatives.
Partnerships
Victoria’s road safety achievements have been delivered through strong
VicRoads, TAC, Victoria Police and the Department of Justice are responsible
and co-ordinated partnerships between government, its agencies and
for delivering the key initiatives under the strategy, and will rely heavily on
the wider community.
maintaining and building stakeholder and community involvement.
Successfully implementing the arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy will depend

Community members will continue to play a central role in reducing Victoria’s
upon the support and efforts of state and local government, communities, road toll by accepting their responsibilities as law abiding road users, and by
organisations and individuals throughout Victoria. continuing to contribute to the development of road safety initiatives.
The support of Victoria’s Members of Parliament is an important element Local government and RoadSafe Community Road Safety Councils will
in the success of road safety initiatives. A key feature of Victoria’s road continue to be important road safety partners at the local level, with major
safety framework is the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee, comprising roles in advocacy, increasing the understanding of road safety issues in their
Members of Parliament from all political parties. The Victorian Government communities, implementing local programs and drawing attention to road
will continue to support the work of the Road Safety Committee and continue safety issues important to their communities.
to encourage all-party support for Victoria’s arrive alive 2008-2017 strategy.
The Government will continue its co-ordinated approach to road safety,

led by the three ministers responsible for road safety in Victoria - the Minister

road safety
management structure
Managing and co-ordinating the strategy
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Road - Safety - Strategy Arrive Alive 2008-2017

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victoria’s road safety strategy: Arrive alive 2008-2017

Victorians are more likely to

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Photos: VicRoads and Department of Infrastructure.

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John Brumby - Premier of Victoria

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VICTORIA’S ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY: ARRIVE ALIVE 2008-2017 8 www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au

VICTORIA’S ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY: ARRIVE ALIVE 2008-2017 9 www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au

+#,% +#-- +#-*

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SAFER ROADS AND ROADSIDES F;H9;DJ7=;E<HE7:KI;HIA?BB;:EHI;H?EKIBO?D@KH;:

The likelihood of Victorians being killed or seriously injured as a result of

There will also be a focus on prevention through an expanded Greyspot &%

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• Directly supporting the conduct of crash testing and database analysis

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IMPROVING VEHICLE SAFETY Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

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(#% (#' the drink driving problem on country roads.

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Prescription medication: The impact of prescription medication on road user

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Measures to reduce the incidence of drug driving will include:

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Public education: Education campaigns have the potential to raise awareness

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Measures to reduce the incidence and severity of driver distraction related

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%#%, • Examining further graduated licensing measures.

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Mobility for older persons can also be facilitated by expanding alternative

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Older motorcycle riders: A demographic shift has seen the popularity of

roadsides, including intersections, will significantly increase motorcyclist safety '#*

by reducing the incidence of these crashes. '#%

Protective wear: The severity of personal injury sustained by a motorcyclist in &#%

standard protective wear. %#%

VICTORIA’S ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY: ARRIVE ALIVE 2008-2017 39 www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au

• Introducing improved training programs and licensing systems for riders

• Increasing targeted enforcement to reduce the incidence of unlicensed riding. )%

• Educating drivers to be aware of motorcyclists on the road and their safety

SAFER ROADS AND ROADSIDES F;H9;DJ7=;E<HE7:KI;HIA?BB;:EHI;H?EKIBO?D@KH;:

roadsides, including intersections, will significantly increase motorcyclist safety '#*

by reducing the incidence of these crashes. '#%

Protective wear: The severity of personal injury sustained by a motorcyclist in &#%

standard protective wear. %#%

%#%DK:G JC9:G%#% 7=;E<F;:;IJH?7D

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