Roadside hazards pose a major risk to road users who lose control of their vehicles and run off the road. From 2003 to 2007, an average of 558 fatal run-off-road crashes occurred annually in Australia and 135 in New Zealand. In addition to these, across both countries there were more than 14,000 run-off-road crashes causing injuries each year. This report summarises the results of the first year (2008-09) of a program of research aimed at gaining a greater understanding of how to best manage and treat roadside hazards in both urban and rural areas. This year’s component of the study examined the safety of barriers at varying offset distances from trafficked lanes, the provision of forgiving roadside furniture and protection from impact with rigid objects, with an emphasis on poles, the retrofitting of barriers to lessen crash severity, the potential to reduce the severity of motorcyclist collisions with barriers, the crash characteristics associated with all roadside hazards, knowledge gaps in the treatment of roadside hazards for future research. Keeping in mind the stated aims of the project and a necessity to ensure that the research assists road authorities in following Safe System principles, three broad areas of research are recommended as the project continues the refinement of clear zone guidelines, best practice in the management of roadside environments, correct use of existing and new safety barrier technology (including enhancements to motorcyclist safety). (Author/publisher)
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