Heavy vehicle collisions are frequently spectacular as well as disastrous and there is a great deal of public misunderstanding in regard to the causes of these incidents. Media attention and public reaction can lead to knee jerk reactions from government and legislators. The general standard of investigation within enforcement agencies is such that the use of their conclusions to determine cause and hence appropriate countermeasures is inherently risky. Detailed or forensic examination of heavy vehicle collisions provides a more reliable source of information as to the cause of these incidents and a firmer base for the implementation of remedial measures. Due to the nature of State responsibility for dealing with road crashes in Australia the opportunity for the use of forensic analysis is excellent and should be embraced to provide essential information to policy makers and legislative bodies. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213531.
Samenvatting