Output Group 2
LAND TRANSPORT SAFETY PROGRAMS
This Output Group covers the work of the Department in promoting the safe and efficient movement of all traffic - including pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular and rail - within the Tasmanian land transport system.
The main outputs within the Group relate to
safety interventions on the road network
road safety education through community programs; and
school-based education programs and advertising and intervention campaigns.
The Output Group also reflects the Department's statutory responsibilities for maintaining a safe and efficient transport system. These responsibilities include the administration and registration of vehicles, appropriate standards and licensing of drivers and motorcycle riders, traffic regulations, heavy vehicle loading requirements and public vehicle safety standards.
This Output Group directly contributes to the Agency's Outcome of a safe transport system.
Key clients
The clients for this Output Group are all the users of Tasmania's land transport system.
How this Output Group is delivered
The Outputs are essentially provided by Departmental staff, with external providers being used as required.
POLICY
Achievements Against Strategies Identified For 2001-2002
Release of the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2002-2006
Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the wider community, the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2002-2006 was launched on 12 November 2001. The three key elements of the Strategy are safer road users, safer vehicles, safer roads.
Within these three strategy objectives are 12 strategy areas - Speed, Drink and Drug Driving, Fatigue and Inattention, Novice Drivers, Older Drivers, Restraint Use, Motorcyclists, Pedestrians and Cyclists, Vehicle Design, Vehicle Maintenance, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Road Improvements. Under each strategy are a range of initiatives. Some implementation action has already begun on a number of key initiatives, including novice driver reform, red light cameras and automatic disqualification for excessive speed.
Review of Seatbelt Regulations and Penalties
A review of regulations and penalties for non-use of seat belts and child restraints has been completed as part of the Action Plan outlined in the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy. The aim of the project was to review the existing legislation and penalty rates and develop strategies to modify non-compliant behaviour in drivers and vehicle occupants who do not use seat belts or restrain children correctly.
The Review found that an estimated 99% of drivers and passengers in Tasmania generally wear their seat belts when travelling in a vehicle other than a bus. The small minority that risks not wearing a seat belt frequently takes other risks, such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. The final draft of the review report is scheduled to be released for comment by key stakeholders.
Older Driver Handbook
The Tasmanian Older Drivers' Handbook was launched in October 2000. Since then, over 15,000 copies have been distributed to older drivers through general practitioners' surgeries and direct mail with licence renewals, and the publication has been widely promoted through community newspapers. The Handbook is also available on the internet.
The Handbook, which has been produced for drivers over the age of 65 and aims to increase the safety of older drivers on the road, includes practical hints for safer driving, a range of information about health problems, medicines and drugs, the use of alcohol, car maintenance and purchase and a questionnaire to assist in self-assessment of driving ability. Distribution of the Handbook is supplemented by Older Driver Safety Seminars, which are held in various regions around the State.
In November 2002 the second edition of the Handbook will be produced. The revised Handbook will include information about buying a new car with a view to improving safety, and include a range of available vehicle safety features. A new section, Retiring from Driving, will include information about licensing for seniors and how to prepare for giving up driving without giving up independence and mobility.
Older Driver Seminars
Older Driver Safety Seminars are conducted to supplement the Tasmanian Older Drivers' Handbook and promote safer driving among those aged 65 or over. The program covers the content of the Tasmanian Older Drivers' Handbook and helps seniors assess their own driving ability, as well as providing current information about road rules and advice to assist older drivers to maintain mobility and drive safely. Four-hour sessions are provided to senior groups or organisations on request.
Automatic Disqualification for Excessive Speed
On 10 December 2001 automatic loss of licence for speeds in excess of 37 km/h above the speed limit was implemented. Immediately following the implementation, Tasmania recorded its first fatality-free Christmas-New Year period in 20 years. December 2001 was the first fatality free month on Tasmanian roads since November 1997.
Alicia O'Connor Memorial Road Safety Award
A number of high quality entries were received for the 2001 Award. Entries are limited to young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Entrants are required to develop a media presentation about a road safety issue relevant to young people. The winning entries for 2001 included two promotional advertisements highlighting pedestrian safety and the consequences of stealing cars, as well as a short documentary relating to general road safety issues. The winners from Rosny, Launceston and Newstead Colleges were presented with their prizes at the launch of the 2002 Award in March.
Additional Achievements for 2001-2002
Road Safety Task Force
The Road Safety Task Force, a joint initiative of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources and Tasmania Police, is funded by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board.
The Task Force public education campaigns for road safety included supporting the introduction of the new 50 km/h general urban speed limit with the Just Slow Down campaign and the television commercial, 50 In Our Streets Saves Lives. Tracking research by the Task Force indicated a high level of awareness of the new 50 km/h speed limit, with 298 out of 300 people interviewed aware that the 50 km/h speed limit would apply from 1 May.
Community Awareness Activities
Keys Please seminars for learner drivers and their supervisors
Road safety consultants conducted a number of Keys Please seminars at various locations around the State. The seminars targeted learner drivers and their supervisors with the aim of educating the supervisor to provide a learning environment that allowed the learner to experience a wide range of conditions and to assist the learner and supervisor to develop a relationship that maximised learning outcomes. In delivering these seminars a partnership has been established with Adult Education which supports the organisation and coordination of some of the seminars.
Professional Development Workshops for teachers
Professional development workshops are conducted for teachers involved in the Pre Driver Awareness (PDA) program. The PDA program is conducted in 80% of high schools in both government and non-government schools. The workshops are aimed at providing the teachers with knowledge, skills and resources which assist them to better deliver PDA to their students.
Community Road Safety Committees
These committees are being established with the assistance of Local Government personnel and are aimed at developing road safety solutions to locally identified issues. The committees are also used to support road safety programs such as Keys Please, novice driver reform, older driver education and fleet safety. The Smithton community road safety committee is currently the most advanced committee, but greater local government community involvement is planned in 2002-03.
Circular Head Community Road Safety Committee (CHCRSC)
In 2000, a community road safety consultative committee was established in the Circular Head area. The establishment of the committee formed the basis of a pilot study for further development of local community based road safety groups in other regions.
The committee is made up of local community representatives, councillors, community leaders, interested locals and various government organisations. The committee is an example of how working with the local community can produce positive results. The committee continues to work with the local community in the Circular Head area and has produced an action plan and a range of road safety initiatives, including older driver workshops, road safety audits, young driver seminars and designated driver schemes. The action plan aims to improve the safety of 17-29 year old drivers, motorbike riders, bicycle riders, children using school buses, children walking to and from school and road users in the community generally.
Fleet Safety Education Sessions
Fleet safety education sessions have been conducted with a number of organisations, such as Telstra and Aurora. These sessions are aimed at highlighting behaviour and attitude issues with drivers of fleet vehicles and also examining some of the workplace issues that affect fleet drivers. With about 60% of all vehicles on the road belonging to fleet owners, the need for fleet safety education and policy development is expected to become a growth area in the next financial year.
Zebra
Zebra is a publication distributed by the Road Safety Operations Branch aimed at providing road safety information to teachers to support their road safety programs in the schools. This publication is produced once each school term.
Persons killed and injured in road accidents in Tasmania 1990 to 2000
| Severity | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 |
| FATALITIES | ||||||||||||
| Drivers | 37 | 39 | 36 | 24 | 28 | 27 | 36 | 17 | 24 | 27 | 18 | 27 |
| Passengers | 15 | 18 | 27 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 10 | 10 | 17 | 11 | 16 |
| Pedestrians | 12 | 12 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 10 |
| Motorcyclists | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Pedal Cylists | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Sub-total | 71 | 77 | 74 | 58 | 59 | 56 | 64 | 32 | 48 | 53 | 43 | 61 |
| SERIOUS INJURIES | ||||||||||||
| Drivers | 255 | 236 | 219 | 234 | 244 | 242 | 204 | 184 | 187 | 206 | 230 | 198 |
| Passengers | 192 | 156 | 145 | 165 | 144 | 164 | 117 | 119 | 114 | 157 | 152 | 123 |
| Pedestrians | 73 | 66 | 63 | 58 | 63 | 52 | 62 | 52 | 60 | 53 | 47 | 43 |
| Motorcyclists | 66 | 65 | 51 | 58 | 61 | 61 | 44 | 48 | 50 | 60 | 75 | 93 |
| Pedal Cylists | 23 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 23 | 27 | 17 | 12 | 13 |
| Sub-total | 609 | 539 | 495 | 532 | 525 | 536 | 449 | 426 | 438 | 494 | 516 | 470 |
| MINOR INJURIES | ||||||||||||
| Drivers | 641 | 604 | 583 | 575 | 600 | 659 | 645 | 568 | 801 | 745 | 777 | 702 |
| Passengers | 418 | 438 | 414 | 392 | 430 | 429 | 362 | 369 | 427 | 460 | 399 | 383 |
| Pedestrians | 93 | 99 | 109 | 79 | 87 | 87 | 105 | 65 | 114 | 104 | 101 | 105 |
| Motorcyclists | 73 | 68 | 69 | 64 | 67 | 70 | 61 | 79 | 121 | 101 | 144 | 102 |
| Pedal Cylists | 46 | 44 | 45 | 60 | 47 | 37 | 37 | 45 | 52 | 52 | 38 | 36 |
| Sub-total | 1,271 | 1,253 | 1,220 | 1,167 | 1,231 | 1,282 | 1,210 | 1,126 | 1,151 | 1,462 | 1,459 | 1,328 |
| Total | 1,951 | 1,869 | 1,789 | 1,757 | 1,815 | 1,874 | 1,723 | 1,584 | 2,001 | 2,009 | 2,018 | 1,859 |
Source: Traffic Accidents Database at 22 July 2002.
Note: A small number of cases with incomplete data have been excluded from analyses.
Age and gender of road-users killed and injured
| Road-users killed | Road-users injured | |||||||||||||
| Category |
1995
|
1996
|
1997
|
1998
|
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
1995
|
1996
|
1997
|
1998
|
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
| MALE under 17 |
4
|
3
|
2
|
4
|
4
|
6
|
5
|
147
|
122
|
134
|
150
|
169
|
156
|
148
|
| MALE 17-29 |
18
|
19
|
8
|
13
|
11
|
14
|
11
|
449
|
390
|
331
|
423
|
443
|
421
|
420
|
| MALE 30-64 |
10
|
10
|
9
|
10
|
15
|
9
|
22
|
308
|
291
|
293
|
384
|
358
|
416
|
367
|
| MALE over 64 |
7
|
6
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
7
|
68
|
66
|
83
|
87
|
70
|
68
|
71
|
| TOTAL MALE |
39
|
38
|
23
|
32
|
35
|
33
|
45
|
972
|
869
|
841
|
1044
|
1040
|
1061
|
1006
|
| FEMALE UNDER 17 |
0
|
3
|
1
|
0
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
102
|
93
|
112
|
104
|
128
|
146
|
121
|
| FEMALE 17-29 |
4
|
7
|
4
|
7
|
6
|
4
|
4
|
313
|
294
|
255
|
344
|
370
|
312
|
310
|
| FEMALE 30-64 |
4
|
8
|
4
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
9
|
306
|
398
|
272
|
355
|
350
|
407
|
312
|
| FEMALE OVER 64 |
9
|
8
|
0
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
3
|
84
|
70
|
77
|
99
|
85
|
81
|
91
|
| TOTAL FEMALE |
17
|
26
|
9
|
16
|
18
|
10
|
16
|
805
|
755
|
716
|
902
|
933
|
946
|
834
|
| OVERALL TOTAL |
56
|
64
|
32
|
48
|
53
|
43
|
61
|
1777
|
1624
|
1557
|
1946
|
1973
|
2007
|
1840
|
Source: Traffic Accidents Database at 22 July 2002.
Note: A small number of cases with incomplete data have been excluded from analyses.
| Road safety performance Indicators |
1998
|
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
| Serious casulty crashes per 100 million-vehicle kilometres |
10
|
10.5
|
10.1
|
9.5
|
| Serious casulty crashes per 100,000 population |
86.9
|
88.8
|
94.8
|
89.9
|
| Road fatalities per 100 million vehicle-kilometres |
1.2
|
1.3
|
1
|
1.4
|
| Road fatalities per 100,000 population |
10.2
|
11.3
|
9.1
|
13
|
| Persons hospitalised per 100 million vehicle-kilometres |
10.9
|
12.5
|
11.9
|
10.6
|
| Persons hospitalised per 100,000 population |
94.6
|
106.2
|
111.8
|
99.9
|
| Social cost of serious casualty crashes per 100 million vehicle-kilometres ($million) |
2.6
|
2.8
|
2.8
|
2.5
|
| Social cost of serious casualty crashes per 100,000 population ($million) |
23.1
|
23.5
|
23.5
|
23.9
|
SOURCE: Based upon data held by the Land Transport Safety Policy Branch, DIER
NOTES: (1) The performance indicators are calculated for calendar years
(2) 2001 figures are preliminary only. Official figures calculated as part of a national
methodology, will be released later this year.
(3) Serious casualty crashes are defined as those in which at least one person
has been killed or hospitalised.
Source: Traffic Accidents Database as at 22 July 2002.
Note: A small number of cases with incomplete data has been excluded
from the analyses.
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
Achievements Against Strategies Identified For 2001-2002
Unregistered/ Uninsured Project
Benchmarks were set during September 2001, in consultation with the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) for levels of unregistered vehicles and targets to be reviewed in September 2002. The following strategies were implemented:
continued employment of two additional transport inspectors to undertake minimum weekly roadside checks and on-road blitzes;
issuing reminder letters to registered operators of unregistered vehicles after 30 days;
production of information flyers to be handed out by transport inspectors and police to unregistered vehicle operators; and
the introduction of a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) for uninsured vehicles.
Periodic registration for light vehicles
In line with the Government's commitment to the introduction of periodic registration for light vehicles, the scheme was introduced on 1 July 2001. About 17% of vehicle owners have chosen to take up this option.
Novice Drivers
A Government initiative was to review and change the car learner and provisional licensing system. This review was conducted, on behalf of the Tasmanian Road Safety Council, during 2000-01 and recommended the implementation of a new system consisting in part of two-tiered car learner and provisional periods. This new system is to be implemented in stages over three years. In mid-2001, the new system, and its staged implementation, was approved by Cabinet.
On 1 March 2002, the first stage was implemented. It requires car learner drivers to log at least 50 hours of on-road driving experience in a compulsory logbook and to hold their licence for six months before they can apply for their provisional licence. This stage has been well received by the community and stakeholders. The next stage to be implemented will include a new practical on-road driving assessment to replace the existing assessment and a new computer based knowledge (road rules) assessment.
Written -off Vehicle Register
The Written-Off Vehicle Register is an Australia-wide initiative developed by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council. The Register is a nationally co-ordinated database of vehicles assessed as written-off. They are listed by their vehicle identification number (VIN).
All vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of less than 4.5 tonnes and aged 15 years or less from the date of manufacture, that are assessed as a total loss, will now be termed "written-off", and recorded on the national register.
The Register will be an effective strategy in reducing the illegal practice of re-birthing, where the VIN of a legitimate vehicle is applied to a stolen car of the same make and model. Written-off vehicles are the largest source of these "legitimate" VINs.
In 2002 work continued on the development and implementation of the Written-Off Vehicle Register in Tasmania.
Additional Achievements for 2001-2002
Digitised Licensing
On 26 November 2001 digital driver licences were introduced, which provided a licence card incorporating the latest technology and high security features. The digital image licence replaced the outdated and less secure photo licence system.
Request for Changes
The capacity to make changes to the Motor Registry System has significantly improved. This is due to improved system documentation and the vigorous testing of changes. As a result, there have been more than 170 requests for changes implemented during 2001-02. These changes have been for business process improvements, improved data integrity and in support of legislative change and business initiatives.
Maintenance of the Motor Registry Computer System
A tender was let during 2000-01 for the maintenance and application development of the Motor Registry System. This tender process is in its final stages of completion and will be implemented in 2002-03 for a two-year period with the option to renew for a further two years.
Licensed Drivers in Tasmania
| Class of Licence |
As at 30 June 2002
|
| Learner |
16,231
|
| Provisional |
17,916
|
| Full |
301,911
|
Current Tasmanian Registrations
| Vehicle Type |
As at 30 June 2002
|
| Cars and Station Wagons |
249,133
|
| Motor Cycles |
8,516
|
| Trailers and Caravans |
75,390
|
| Others |
102,139
|
TRAFFIC STANDARDS
Achievements Against Strategies Identified for 2001-2002
50 km/h General Urban Speed Limit
The 50 km/h general urban speed limit was successfully introduced on 1 May 2002. This represented the culmination of a significant road safety initiative that will reduce the number of road casualty accidents in urban areas. Before implementation, there was extensive consultation with councils to identify the busier roads that would retain a 60 km/h speed limit. A comprehensive public education campaign emphasised that motorists must assume the speed limit is 50 km/h unless signed otherwise.
Upgrading of School Speed Zone Signs
For several years, the Department has been replacing the old style school speed zone signs with more prominent larger signs. As part of this process, over 300 sites were assessed to determine whether the provision and placement of the school speed zone signs was appropriate. All the new school speed zone signs have been issued to councils for installation.
Red Light Cameras
Traffic signal locations were identified where the accident history indicated a problem with drivers running red lights. The Department worked in consultation with Tasmania Police to facilitate amendments to legislation to allow photographs from red light cameras to be used as evidence and to install the cameras.
Management of the Black Spot Program
The Federal Government has announced that there will be a new four-year Black Spot program. The Department has been analysing the accident data to identify locations with a road safety problem that could be addressed by engineering works. The program includes both State and local roads and is developed in conjunction with the road owner.
Additional Achievements for 2001-2002
School Speed Zone Visibility Enhancement Trial
A trial was initiated to explore ways to enhance motorists' recognition of school zones. The effectiveness of four different treatments is being trialled and assessments will be made by gathering and analysing vehicle speed data during the second half of 2002. It is not proposed to use these at every site in the State, but they may prove beneficial on some busier roads.
Reviewing and Approving Traffic Management
The Traffic Standards Branch's Chief Traffic Engineer has authority for approving all traffic control devices on Tasmanian roads. This includes road signs and linemarking, as well as the general layout and alignment of roads. The Branch has continued to audit road schemes on both State and local roads in accordance with Australian best practice. Specialist technical advice was regularly provided to road owners and consultants, along with the completion of further work on Tasmania's Code of Practice for the Installation of Traffic Control Devices.
Speed Limits
The Traffic Standards Branch is responsible for investigating and determining all speed zones on Tasmanian roads. Speed limits are set to achieve an appropriate balance between the safety and amenity of local road users, and the efficiency of through traffic. Centralising responsibility for speed control with one group has enabled consistent and credible speed zoning practice.
VEHICLE OPERATIONS
Achievements Against Strategies Identified for 2001-2002
Ongoing Implementation of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme
Training of Mass Management Accreditation auditors was completed. The information manual for the Mass Management Accreditation scheme was completed and made available to those heavy goods vehicle operators wishing to take part in the scheme. The scheme will begin operating on 1 December 2002.
Introduction of Passenger Transport Accreditation
During the year certification of accreditation auditors for the passenger transport accreditation scheme was completed. The accreditation manual was completed and circulated to operators. The first entry audits have been completed. Declarations by operators who have systems in place have been submitted and are being processed.
Introduction of new Vehicle Standards and Vehicle Operations Regulations
The new Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations were implemented in November 2001 and the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Regulations came into force in January 2002. The implementation of both sets of regulations occurred with appropriate public awareness campaigns and training of relevant enforcement personnel and involved a seamless transition.
Technical Information
The availability of technical information to motorists, commercial vehicle operators and members of the public continued to be a high priority for the Branch. This is being achieved by the development of a comprehensive set of technical information bulletins to be made available through a revamped website as well as by fax and hard copy.
Continued maximisation of coverage of B-Double and Higher Mass Limits Route networks
Agreement was reached with local government on the policy framework for B-Double and Higher Mass Limits route approvals. Many routes were assessed during the year in order to maximise the benefits of improved productivity arising from the use of these vehicles.
Additional Achievements
Gazette Notices for General Permits
All existing general permits were redrafted into a gazette notice. This provides a more formal basis for the exemption system for high productivity vehicles and is accessible via the internet.
National Transport Reform Program
Vehicle Operations Branch played a major role during the year in developing and introducing a range of elements of the National Transport Reform program and in particular ensured that compliance with the National Competition Policy (NCP) guidelines was achieved. The Branch has had input into the following reform projects:
Load Restraint
Higher Mass Limits
Mobile Crane Registration
Australian Road Rules
Heavy Vehicle Charges
Smart Compliance
Road Friendly Suspension
Heavy Vehicle Noise
Low Floor Bus Mass Allowances
Sleeper Berth Design for Coaches
In particular the Branch has had significant input to the development of the national Performance Based Standards project.
Wind Farms
The Branch played a significant role in facilitating the transport of components for the Woolnorth Wind Farm. This included advising on and approving routes and special vehicles and escorting all oversize loads. All loads supervised during the year were moved successfully without incident and without significant disruption to traffic.
Truck Seat Belts
A major campaign was mounted during the year to raise the level of seat belt use by truck drivers. This included acquiring and operating a Volvo truck seat belt simulator at Agfest and a number of other public venues.
STATISTICAL RESULTS
NB: 1998-99 and 1999-2000 figures include vehicle checks for roadworthiness, mass and roadworthiness combined. Figures from 2000-01 separate out checks for unregistered vehicles. (These are shown in brackets)
| YEAR | 1998/1999 | 1999/2000 | 2000/2001 | 2001/2002 |
| Total roadside checks |
40,157
(Incl Reg) |
47,877
(Incl Reg) |
33,777
|
42,918
|
| Total defect orders |
5466
|
6244
|
5974
|
7048
|
| % Defective |
13.61
|
11.58
|
17.69
|
16.42
|
|
Number of registered vehicles <4.5t |
370,448
|
395,163
|
388,433
|
393,327
|
| Roadside checks |
30,784
|
39,035
|
23,005
-111,308 |
26,645
-120,005 |
| % vehicles inspected |
8.31
|
9.88
|
5.92
-28.66 |
6.77
-30.51 |
| Registered vehicles over 4.5 t |
12,686
|
14,093
|
13,341
|
13,195
|
| Roadside checks |
15,430
|
14,862
|
18,348
-29,623 |
27,870
-45,754 |
| % vehicles inspected |
121.63
|
105.46
|
137.53
-222.04 |
211.22
-346.75 |
| Total vehicles |
383,134
|
409,256
|
401,774
|
406,522
|
| Total roadside checks * |
46,214
|
53,897
|
41,353
-140,931 |
54,515
-165,759 |
| % vehicles checked |
12.06
|
13.17
|
10.29
-35.08 |
13.41
-40.77 |
| Total weighings |
12,046
|
12,222
|
16,978
|
23,088
|
| Traffic Infringement Notices |
941
|
606
|
804
|
703
|
| % vehicles overweight |
7.81
|
4.96#
|
4.74
|
3.04
|
| Total unregistered inspections |
96,176
|
105,142
|
||
| Total Unregistered detected |
1,490
|
1,399
|
||
| % unregistered |
1.55
|
1.33
|
||
| * Includes trailers # This figure has dropped following implementation of higher mass limits |
||||
