This study analyses the way Australian television represents traffic related incidents. It focusses on programs watched by school age children and describesthe nature and frequency of those incidents from which children might possibly learn about road safety. The data was collected by analysing five weeks of television programs watched by large audiences of school age children. In all programs, the predominant type of activity depicted is driving which is also the most dangerous activity. Dangerous incidents occurred up to seven times per hour and were high in adventure and news programs. The report recommends that road safety interventions be directed at specific genres of programs both within and outside the 4.00pm to 5.00pm period. A further recommendations is that children's programs produced locally should be encouraged to incorporate appropriate positive road and vehicle use models.
Samenvatting