ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL

REPORT ON ACTIVITIES

2014-15

as required by Section 13 of the Road Safety Council Act 2002

The Honourable L Harvey, MLA

Minister for Road Safety

STATUTORY REPORT – ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT ON ACTIVITIES 2014-2015

Pursuant to section 13 of the Road Safety Council Act 2002, the Road Safety Council submits its report on the activities of the Council for the financial year ending 30 June 2015.

Yours sincerely

Professor Murray Lampard APM Chair Road Safety Council

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1

2. MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL DURING 2014-2015 ...................... 2

3. IDENTIFYING AND RECOMMENDING MEASURES TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND REDUCE DEATH AND SERIOUS INJURY ............................................................ 5

3.1 OFFICE OF ROAD SAFETY ............................................................................... 9

3.2 MAIN ROADS WA ..............................................................................................16

3.3 WA POLICE .......................................................................................................18

3.5 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION .................20

3.6 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ..............................................................................21

3.7 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT ......................................................................22

4. COORDINATING IMPLEMENTATION OF ROAD SAFETY ACTIVITY ..........................24

4.1 ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL .................................................................................24

4.2 ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL – BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS ........................24

4.3 SAFER ROADS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ........................................................25

5. EVALUATING AND MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEASURES ...............26

6. EVALUATING AND MONITORING THE SAFETY OF THE STATE’S ROADS ..............30

7. MANAGING THE ROAD TRAUMA TRUST ACCOUNT.................................................35

8. ROAD TRAUMA TRUST ACCOUNT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE 2014-2015 .......36

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1. INTRODUCTION

The Road Safety Council (“the Council”), established in 1997, is a statutory body under Section 4 of the Road Safety Council Act 2002 (‘the Act’). Section 5 of the Act specifies that the Council’s function is to:

Identify measures to improve the safety of roads in the State and to reduce death and serious injury of people, and the damage to property, resulting from incidents occurring on roads in the State;

Make recommendations to relevant agencies of the action that should be taken to implement those measures;

Coordinate the implementation of those measures by relevant agencies and persons;

Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of those measures;

Evaluate and monitor the safety of roads in the State;

Recommend to the Minister how funds standing to the credit of the Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA) should be spent to implement those measures and to facilitate the performance of the Council’s functions; and

Make recommendations to the Minister in compliance with directions given by the Minister under Section 6A.

This document summarises the Council’s activities in relation to its functions for the financial year 2014-2015.

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2. MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL DURING 2014-2015

Under Section 6 of the Act, the Council is to consist of 12 members appointed by the Minister, those being —

(a) a person to be the chairman of the Council;

(b) a person to represent users of roads;

(c) a person to represent local government, nominated by the Western Australian Local Government Association;

(d) a person employed in the department of the Public Service principally assisting the Minister in the administration of the Road Safety Council Act 2002 whose duties relate to road safety;

(e) a person nominated by the Minister administering the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 19741 that relate to licensing provisions;

(f) a person nominated by the Minister administering the Police Act 1892;

(g) a person nominated by the Minister administering the School Education Act 1999;

(h) a person nominated by the Minister administering the Health Act 1911;

(i) a person nominated by the Minister administering the Main Roads Act 1930;

(j) a person nominated by the Minister administering the Transport Co-ordination Act 19661;

(k) a person nominated by the Minister administering the Planning and Development Act 2005; and

(l) a person nominated by the Minister administering the Insurance Commission of Western Australia Act 1986.

There are 11 members on the Council, with the Department of Transport (DoT) having responsibility for both the licensing provisions of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Act 2008 and the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2008 which split from the Road Traffic Act on 27 April 2008.

Table 1, overleaf, lists RSC members and their nominated deputies as at 30 June 2015.

Road Safety Governance

In March 2014 the report arising from the Government’s review of road safety governance in Western Australia, was completed. The report, known as the Browne Review, conducted by consultant Mr Peter Browne, contained a number of recommendations including the appointment of a new Commissioner of Road Safety to oversee the implementation of Government road safety policy and manage the transition of the Office of Road Safety (ORS) into the new Road Safety Commission effective from 1 July 2015.

1 The Road Traffic Act 1974 was split into the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Act 2008 and the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act 2008

on 27 April 2008.

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In addition, the review recommended the Council be replaced with the Road Safety Advisory Council, and a Road Safety Experts Panel which will provide guidance on RTTA submissions, policy advice to the Commissioner and serve on the new Road Safety Advisory Council.

In April 2015, the Public Sector Commissioner announced that Mr Kim Papalia had been appointed Acting Commissioner of Road Safety.

The Road Safety Commission was established as a stand-alone agency, with a Commissioner reporting directly to the Minister for Road Safety, on 1 July 2015.

Alternative governance arrangements, including strategic direction and corporate service provision, continue to be identified and implemented.

Changes to the ORS structure after the commencement of the Road Safety Commission resulted in:

The Commissioner role replacing the Executive Director effective from July 1 2015, and

The Road Safety Council Chairman, Professor Murray Lampard, continuing his appointment until 31 October 2015.

As part of its Governance Charter the membership and roles and responsibilities of each member are listed in Table 1 overleaf.

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Table 1: Road Safety Council Members and Deputy Members 2014-2015

REPRESENTING MEMBER DEPUTY MEMBER

Chair Prof Murray Lampard APM No Deputy

Department of Education

Lindsay Hale Executive Director Statewide Planning and Delivery

Karen Webster Director, Curriculum and Student Services Support Ms Webster was appointed on 8/10/ 2014.

Department of Health

Dr Tarun Weeramanthri Executive Director- Public Health and Clinical Services Division

Dr Andy Robertson Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Robertson was appointed on 8/10/ 2014.

Department of Planning John Chortis Director of Infrastructure and Planning

B. Imre Szito Manager Land Use and Infrastructure Planning

Department of Transport

Nina Lyhne Managing Director, Transport Services

Andrew Lee Director Strategy, Policy and Governance Dr Robertson was appointed on 8/10/ 2014.

Insurance Commission of WA

Lew Watts Deputy Chief Executive Insurance Mr Watts retired 30/1/2015.

There was no official replacement before 30/6/2015.

Fab Zanuttigh General Manager CTP Division

Local Government

Cr. Steve Martin President of the Shire of Wickepin Mr Martin’s 3 year WALGA appointment finished on 15/9/2013. Mr Martin acted in the RSC Member role until a replacement was found. Geoff Amphlett, was appointed 8/10/2014.

Terri-Anne Pettet Manager RoadWise Program

Main Roads WA Des Snook Executive Director, Road Network Services

David Moyses Acting Manager Road Safety

Office of Road Safety

Iain Cameron Executive Director

Linley Crackel Director Policy and Strategy

Road Users

Anne Still Senior Manager, Policy and Research, Royal Automobile Club of WA Ms Still was appointed on 8/10/ 2014.

Jill Darby RAC Councillor Royal Automobile Club of WA

WA Police Service Nicholas Anticich Assistant Commissioner, Traffic and Emergency Response

Alf Fordham Commander, State Traffic Operations

As the Acting Commissioner for the Road Safety Commission, Mr Kim Papalia attended all RSC meetings from April 2015.

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3. IDENTIFYING AND RECOMMENDING MEASURES TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND REDUCE DEATH AND SERIOUS INJURY

In 2014, there were 184 fatalities and 1716*2 serious injuries on Western Australian roads, compared to the preceding 5 year average (2009-2013) of 180 fatalities and 2479 serious injuries.

In addition to the emotional impact on the families and friends of those involved, this road trauma is estimated to cost the WA community approximately $2.76 billion (2013 AUD)3 per annum.

WA’s fatality rate has reduced significantly since 2001 but it currently sits above the expected trend required to meet the ambitious targets of the Toward Zero Road safety Strategy.

From 1 August 2014 to 31 July 2015 the road fatality rate for Western Australia was 6.43 fatalities per 100,000 population, which is 1% higher than the fatality rate for the previous 12 month period (6.36).

In comparison, the Western Australian fatality rate is higher than that of the Australian Capital Territory (3.29), New South Wales (4.25), Victoria (4.23), Queensland (4.96) and South Australia (6.23).

In March 2009, the WA Government endorsed the State’s Road Safety Strategy for 2008-2020, Towards Zero. The Strategy is based upon a ‘Safe System’ framework which recognises two key limits regarding people using the road transport system. First, that people make mistakes as well as take risks and, second, that there are physical limits to the amount of force the body can take before injury occurs.

Towards Zero is a world-leading road safety strategy which, if implemented fully, will reduce road trauma by up to 40 per cent, preventing about 11,000 people from being killed or seriously injured in the 12 year period to 2020. A 40 per cent reduction would again see WA approach current best performance in Australia (NSW and Victoria), assuming moderate rates of improvement over the same period in other states.

During the development of the Strategy it was estimated that to achieve these reductions an additional investment of $200 million per year for 12 years is required.

In August 2011, an amendment to the Road Safety Council Act 2002 increased the hypothecation of photographic-based speed and red light camera infringements into the Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA) from one-third to two-thirds in 2011-2012 and 100 per cent from 2012-2013 onwards. This increased investment has enhanced the State’s ability to deliver quality road safety measures that will lead to significant and lasting improvement in road trauma.

During 2014-2015, the Council recommended that RTTA funds be directed into six key priority areas that are consistent with the priorities of the Government’s Towards Zero strategy to deliver the best safety returns for the investment made.

2 Please note that 2014 data is currently being investigated due to potential data quality issues. Two key concerns have been raised

with the 2014 data. First, there has been a 28% decrease in the number of people recorded as hospitalised as a result of injuries

sustained in road crashes between 2013 (2,355) and 2014 (1,699). Second, there has been an increase in the proportion of crash

records coming through the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA) between 2013 (19%) and 2014 (46%). ICWA-sourced records do

not contain data on involvement of risky behaviour (except restraint use).

3 This value is based on five-year data for the period 2008-2013 and relies on the Willingness to Pay approach.

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Foremost among the priorities recommended by the Council for implementation of its action plan are:

treatments to regional roads (on a crash reduction priority basis) to reduce run-off-road crashes;

treatments to urban intersections, on a crash reduction priority basis, to reduce multiple vehicle crashes;

Enhanced speed enforcement;

Enhanced drink/drug driving enforcement including a comprehensive repeat drink-driver interlock intervention;

Enhanced vehicle safety and occupant protection; and

Informing and mobilising road safety actions.

In addition to recommending an RTTA budget and monitoring the milestone and budget performance of funded projects, the Council considered a number of issues that were either referred to it from the Minister for Road Safety or brought forward by member agencies. These included:

Cycling- Mandatory minimum passing distances for motor vehicles passing bicycles

The Council position on mandatory minimum passing distances for motor vehicles passing bicycles is that there is still not enough evidence to support a mandatory cyclist passing distance. The Council supported the recommendations that a range of other initiatives with the potential to improve cycling safety should be considered.

The available evidence also indicates that the most effective measures known to improve the safety of cyclists are the continued expansion of infrastructure that separates cyclists from vehicles on higher speed roads and prioritising high volume cycling routes. The Government’s investment of an additional $40m for cycle paths and end of trip facilities will provide benefits in this regard.

Increased public education can also be beneficial in raising awareness, seeking increased cooperation and due care and attention from cyclists and motorists jointly to encourage safe and positive attitudes and behaviours that contribute to improved safety.

Traffic Offence History and Crash Risk

The Council was informed of a Department of Health (DoH) research project investigating traffic offence history and links to severe road trauma.

The study reviewed the traffic offence history of more than 10,000 patients admitted to the WA State Trauma Centre at Royal Perth Hospital between 1998- 2013 to determine if prior traffic offending was a factor in predicting crash involvement and the severity of trauma. The results demonstrated the more demerit points incurred, the higher the risk of road trauma.

Drink-driving, not wearing seatbelts and distracted driving, including the use of hand held electronic devices were the leading causes of crash involvement among the study group. The study also found the average time between a driver’s last traffic offence and road trauma admission was 11 months. The report highlighted a window of opportunity for intervention to reduce the risk of crash involvement amongst high risk drivers. This period could be used to trial and evaluate injury prevention education programs, health promotion programs, the effectiveness of suspending drivers’ licences at a lower level of cumulative demerit points, criminalising traffic offences, or other innovative interventions.

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The Council agreed that an appropriate intervention early on in the traffic offender’s history may reduce the likelihood of the person suffering serious road trauma at a later date. A working group to examine options is to be established, led by representatives from the DoH and WA Police, to investigate intervention options.

Low speed autonomous breaking systems

An international study investigating the use of Autonomous Emergency Breaking systems in new passenger and sport utility vehicles has found a 38 percent overall reduction in rear-end crashes for vehicles fitted with AEB compared to a comparison sample of similar vehicles.

The AEB system uses a forward collision warning sensor that warns the driver with an acoustic signal when a collision is avoidable and subsequently applies the brakes automatically if the driver fails to respond. The Council discussed the implications for Western Australia and noted that a proposal is being developed for later consideration by the Minister for Road Safety to determine if a trial could be conducted in Government fleet vehicles.

Cross Government Media Strategy

Activity on this strategy commenced in June 2014, with a focus on inattention resulting in 18 separate media opportunities. This strategy involved all Council member agencies with road safety media messages and commentary throughout the year, including a campaign to address the road safety issues associated with unsecure loads, particularly involving heavy vehicles.

In 2014 there were 110 recorded new media activities completed by the Council. Each month a theme was promoted. These included: inattention, ‘hoon’ driving, seatbelts and National Rail month, vulnerable road users, novice drivers, speed and road rules penalties, courtesy, fatigue and inattention and wet weather driving, unsecure loads and safer vehicles.

Media opportunities included interviews with the Road Safety Council Chair, talk back radio, and press releases sent to various print, radio and television stations.

IMPLEMENTATION OF FUNDED PROGRAMS

During 2014-15, the Council identified and coordinated implementation of a range of measures to improve road safety in WA, in line with the priorities of Towards Zero. Many of these activities are implemented by individual Council agencies that have direct responsibility and accountability for the delivery of functions as described in their governing legislation.

In addition to agency core areas of responsibility, Council agencies identify priority road safety initiatives that are over and above current functions and that meet the requirements of section 5 (f) of the Act, and apply for specific project funding from the RTTA. (See Section 7 – Managing the RTTA for further details on the application and allocation of RTTA funds).

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Table 2 details the areas of responsibility for road safety of each Road safety Council member agency.

Table 2: Road Safety Council Member Agencies – Areas of Responsibility

ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL MEMBER AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ROAD SAFETY

Chairman Presides at Road Safety Council meetings

Communication of Council recommendations

Advocates for road safety improvement

RAC WA Represents all users of roads and paths on the Road Safety Council

Educates the community (particularly in relation to safe roads and safe vehicles)

Advocates for road safety improvement

Western Australian Local Government Association

Represents local Government on the Road Safety Council.

Provides leadership to and advocacy for local Government (which designs, builds and maintains the local road network)

Facilitates community level participation in road safety, and

Advocates for road safety improvement

Department of Transport Sets safety standards for the licensing of drivers and vehicles

Licensing of drivers and vehicles for safe entry/exit and use of the road transport system

Supports and encourages the use of alternative forms of transport

Department of Planning Governs statutory conditions imposed on land developments in its role to improve quality of life for all Western Australians

Develop and implement policies for safe road network planning for all modes of transport

Protects and delivers a safe and efficient strategic regional road network in the Metropolitan and Peel Regional Schemes and encourages urban design and planning that enhances road safety

Western Australia Police Enforces road user behaviour for safe use of the roads and collects and analyses information about road crashes

Department of Education (on behalf of the Catholic Education Office and the Association of Independent Schools WA)

Educates young road users through early childhood centres, school systems via Road Aware programs

Provides road safety information to parents and carers for infants, children and young people via Road Aware programs

Provides professional learning about road safety to teachers and community based professionals via Road Aware programs

Department of Health Educates the community (particularly in relation to trauma, alcohol and drug use)

Treats those injured in, or effected by, road crashes

Collects and analyses road crash injury data

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Table 3 (cont): Road Safety Council Member Agencies – Areas of Responsibility

ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL MEMBER AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ROAD SAFETY

Main Roads Western Australia Designs, builds, operates and maintains the State road network

Manages Black Spot and Safer Roads and Bridges program

Sets speed limits and collects and analyses road crash injury data

Main Roads Western Australia (Office of Road Safety)

Provides secretariat support to the Road Safety Council and the chairman

Provides leadership among key agencies in the co‑ordination of road safety activities

Undertakes community education, research, policy development and data analysis

Monitors and reports on progress

Insurance Commission of Western Australia

Manages motor vehicle injury insurance

Makes payments to injured road users

Collects and analyses road crash injury data

Promotes road safety awareness through sponsorship of various road safety initiatives

An overview of significant RTTA funded projects that were progressed in 2014-15 grouped by lead agency, is provided below. A breakdown of RTTA funds allocated to these and other RTTA projects is given in Section 8- RTTA Revenue and Expenditure.

3.1 OFFICE OF ROAD SAFETY

The ORS supports the Minister for Road Safety in the carriage of her duties. It seeks to:

through research, analysis and consultation, drive the future direction of and improvement in road safety policy, programs, standards and practices;

monitor the ‘health’ (safety) of the road transport system through the measurement, monitoring and analysis of data and trends and report on progress towards agreed targets;

develop and undertake community education campaigns to educate road users on road safety issues and to evaluate their effectiveness;

identify, develop and implement appropriate communication strategies and methodologies to promote road safety priority areas and strategy implementation;

identify and develop key organisations and individuals who can influence and accelerate the implementation of agreed road safety measures;

monitor and report on the performance of funded projects;

work with road safety funding recipients to ensure that funded projects have clearly defined outcomes and performance indicators that are in line with agreed road safety objectives; and

support the operation of the Council, with agenda papers and minutes, meetings, membership and general governance.

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During 2014/15, the ORS was engaged in the following projects working with stakeholders to progress a number of policy initiatives related to road safety.

Alcohol Interlock Legislation

On 25 February 2015 the Road Traffic Amendment (Alcohol Interlocks) Bill received Royal Assent. This was developed with assistance from the cross-agency Repeat Drink Driving Strategy Working Group chaired by the ORS. The Western Australian Alcohol Interlock Scheme builds on other Australian schemes to include regular monitoring of drink driving behaviour and also includes a unique program of referral to alcohol assessment and treatment services where non-compliance is detected.

The Repeat Drink Driving Strategy Working Group is continuing to oversee policy developments, as the relevant agencies, including WA Police, the Department of Transport (DoT) and the Mental Health Commission (MHC), finalise arrangements for the implementation of the scheme. It is anticipated that the scheme will be launched in the second half of 2016 once contractual and accreditation arrangements are in place, communications developed and briefings of relevant public sector agencies are complete.

Road Safety Research Program

The RTTA funded a comprehensive research program to support and inform decision making in road safety. The project outcomes were achieved via the establishment of a new five year contract with the Curtin-Monash Universities Accident Research Centre (C-MARC). This program is managed by the ORS (now Road Safety Commission).

In 2014/15 a report titled: An investigation of illicit drug related fatal crashes, traffic offences and drivers in Western Australia, was submitted to the Council.

The aim of the study was to investigate illicit drug-driving in Western Australia using two sources of data: Western Australian Police reports of the crashes and toxicology findings of fatally injured drivers/riders, and, police records of drivers/riders charged with illicit drugs in oral fluids offences.

Evidence continues to accumulate on the impairing nature of illicit drugs on driving and the prevalence of use among crash and non-crash involved drivers. The prevalence of illicit substances among drivers varies with the type of substance and whether the driver was involved in a crash. For example, illicit substances of all types have been detected in up to 33% of fatally injured drivers with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance.

Work continued on the WA Speed Camera Program Evaluation. The project aims to develop and apply a comprehensive evaluation framework for the speed enforcement strategy.

Both process and outcome evaluation are required to make sure the strategy implementation is following best practice path, and to assess whether crash reduction benefits predicted are being realized.

Once complete the report will examine where enforcement is being conducted and how this compares with the optimum principles recommended, examine the infringement process and usage patterns of cameras in relation to the optimum principles. The study will also provide an understanding of the impact on crash rates and crashes, travel speeds and any economic benefits through crash savings gained from the speed enforcement program.

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An in-depth analysis of pedestrian serious injury collisions commenced with the aim of this project to identify innovative and effective ways to eliminate serious pedestrian trauma. The results of this study will be used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the contributing behavioural and environmental factors (road environment and vehicle) factors, and their interactions, to pedestrian crash and injury risk.

Enhanced road safety modelling – a mid-term review of the Towards Zero road safety strategy.

The Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy aims to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by 2020. The mid- term review, which began in early 2015 will examine current road safety strategies and consider other initiatives over the next five years that might have an impact on modelling. The review will provide an overall assessment of the State’s progress towards the vision of 11,000 less road deaths and serious injuries since the strategy commenced in 2008.

Safer Vehicles Projects

During this period, RTTA funds contributed toward the Australian New Car Assessment program (ANCAP) so that tested vehicles are purchased with increased consumer consideration of safety performance. Contributions were also made to the Used Car Safety Ratings and Vehicle Safety Research Group (VSRG) scheme to improve knowledge of vehicle safety in Australia and New Zealand for the purpose of improving policy, legislation, public advocacy and consumer information. The ORS also contributed to improving the safety of the national vehicle fleet through working with national and state stakeholders such as State Fleet to improve the level of safety in the government fleet.

In addition to community education on safer vehicles, in 2014-15 funding from the RTTA:

supported the ORS’s ongoing work with WA State Fleet and Government agencies to influence the improvement of vehicle safety features in the Government vehicle fleet.

contributed to the crash testing of new vehicles under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) so that tested vehicles are purchased with increased consumer consideration of safety performance; and

contribution to the Used Car Safety Ratings and Vehicle Safety Research Group to improve policy, legislation, public advocacy and consumer information on used vehicles.

Road Traffic Legislation Support

The ORS continued to oversee State road traffic regulations to ensure consistency with other jurisdictions in key areas of road traffic law. This work involves ongoing maintenance of the national Australian Road Rules (ARR) and implementation of amended rules in the WA Road Traffic Code 2000.

During 2014-2015, the ARR Eleventh Amendment Package was developed by the ARR Maintenance Group. The Minister’s approval for the Eleventh Amendment Package and subsequent drafting of the necessary amendments into WA law will occur during 2015-2016. It is anticipated that the previously approved ARR Tenth Amendment Package will became law in WA in 2015/16.

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WA Contribution to National Road Safety

In 2014, the ORS continued its management of the Austroads Safety Program. Under WA’s leadership, the Austroads Safety Task Force developed and managed an active national road safety research program that supports the National Road Safety Strategy 2010-2020 and progresses elements of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2015-2017. During 2014-2015, the ORS coordinated WA comment on a range of Austroads Safety Program reports ahead of consideration by the Austroads Board.

The ORS continued work on a number of strategic communications initiatives including:

Community Education Campaigns

In 2014/15 Community Education Campaign activities increased to reflect the recommendations of the Mass Media review commissioned in 2013/14. In-line with recommendations from the review most materials were from existing stock or shared from other States. Two new campaigns were introduced in 2014 - Cycling Safety and Motorcycling Safety- to highlight the associated risks.

Table 3: Community Education Campaigns, 2014-15

CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN MATERIAL MASS MEDIA ACTIVITY

Drink Driving – Enforcement OK is not OK State-wide – TV, State-wide – Radio, Indigenous TV and Radio and Outdoor

Speed – Behaviour Enjoy the ride (Existing) State-wide – TV, State-wide – Radio, Indigenous TV and Radio, Outdoor and Digital

Speed – Enforcement Post it Notes (Existing) State-wide – TV, State-wide – Radio, Indigenous TV and Radio, Outdoor and Digital

Fatigue Stop Swap Sleep Digital

Safe Vehicles Safer Cars Save Lives Print Media, Digital

Restraints Sashes – (Existing) Regional – TV, Regional – Radio Indigenous – TV and Radio and Regional - Outdoor

Motorcyclist Safety Ride to Live - Share Our Roads (Interstate - New)

State-wide – TV, Print Media and Digital

Cycling Share Our Roads (New) Print, Digital and Outdoor

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Road Safety Community Grants

The Road Safety Commission Community Grants program was established in 2003 and was administered by WALGA’s RoadWise program. In 2013 the Administration of the program was transferred to the Office of Road Safety with the Grants Committee chaired by the Road Safety Council Chairman. The program aims to support the implementation of the Western Australian Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy through community lead activity.

In 2014-2015 the program funded grants for specific projects, as well as supported events with a road safety message. Seventy two applications were received and funding was approved for 67 applications for a total value of $193,500.00

Of the 67 approved applications, 57 were events grants to the value of $57,460.00 (Table 4) and ten were project grants to the value of $141,040.00 (Table 5). Metropolitan Perth and the Wheatbelt North regions received the highest percentage of grants.

Table 4: 2014-15 Event Grants by Region

REGION NUMBER AMOUNT

Goldfields 2 $2,300.00

Great Southern 4 $3,700.00

Kimberley 2 $1,500.00

Metropolitan North

Metropolitan South

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3

$9100.00 $3,200.00

Mid-West 4 $3,700.00

Wheatbelt North 27 $27,920.00

Wheatbelt South 4 $6,040.00

57 Total: $57,460.00

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Table 5: 2014-15 Project Grants

REGION PROJECT NAME AMOUNT

Goldfields 2015 Esperance Road Safety Campaign

Esperance RoadWise Regional Schools Design Your Own Seat Belt Project

$6,304.00

$605.00

Metro North City of Swan RoadWise Committee Visual Crash Trailer

Please Slow Down Consider our Kids Phase II (City of Stirling)

$16,480.00

$52,300.00

Metro South Implementation of Gosnells RoadWise Committee action Plan 2014/2015

Motorcycle Riders Assn of WA Inc – Motorcycle & Scooter Road Safety Action Plan

$6,900.00

$24,500.00

Mid-West Morawa RoadWise Strategic Plan 2015-2016

Kalbarri RoadWise One Year Action Plan

Irwin RoadWise Road Safety Action Plan 2015-2016

$6,900.00

$9,161.00

$8,200.00

Wheatbelt North Towards Zero Avon Valley School Road Safety Art Project $9,690.00

$141,040.00

Partnership Program

The Government’s Partnership Program supports workplaces and partners in the development of road safety policies, educational programs and the attainment of safer vehicle fleets within their own organisations, as well as positively influencing the broader community.

In 2014, the ORS implemented the Government’s Election Commitment to work with motor vehicle dealers in WA to promote safe vehicles at point of sale. 56 new vehicle dealerships (38 metro, 18 regional) committed to take part in the program. Stars on Cars promotional materials were displayed in their showrooms from June 2014 including major car dealerships groups; John Hughes, Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) and DVG Automotive Group.

McDonalds, one of the Council’s longest partner/stakeholders promoted restraint use through their restaurant in-trays from 8th April to 26th May. This was implemented in 80 restaurants state wide. 130,000 in-trays were printed at no cost to the RSC.

A key milestone for 2014/15 was the establishment of an additional Industry Road Safety Alliance in the Goldfields-Esperance region. The Minister for Road Safety officially launched the new Goldfields-Esperance Industry Road Safety Alliance on the 30th April 2015 in Kalgoorlie. The Alliance is made up of a number of local road transport authorities including Norton Goldmines, CBH, McAleese Resources, Chamber of Minerals & Energy, Lendlease, Silver Lake Resources, Toll Group and Esperance Port Authority along with local and State government agencies.

The three Industry Road Safety Alliances established in previous years continued to develop, plan and implement appropriate responses to reduce road trauma in the regions in alignment with the Towards Zero Road Safety strategy.

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In 2014/15, a number of projects were delivered with alliances in the South West, Pilbara and Mid-West regions. Key messages were promoted in the workplaces of Alliance members through toolbox meetings in alignment with the Alliance’s annual calendar of road safety topics and Safe Systems. The Alliance effort is also supported with strategically aligned road safety policing and enforcement.

A summary of the major achievements and activities of the Industry Road Safety alliances are outlined below:

The South West Industry Road Safety Alliance (IRSA) produced seven new road safety toolbox animated videos focusing on driving distraction and fatigue. These videos will be showcased to industry staff at toolbox meetings, safety moments and local key road safety forums;

Eight Road Safety billboards were placed in Boddington, Collie and Peel regions. The billboards promote six key road safety messages and are rotated on a bi-monthly basis. The messages include safe vehicles, fatigue, restraints, speed, drink driving and driver distraction;

The Pilbara Industry Road Safety Alliance (PIRSA) showcased the ‘Driving in the Pilbara’ guide at the RAC Perth Caravan and Camping Show held in March 2015. Printed copies of the guide were also available at the RAC Driving, Training, Education and Corporates stand at no cost to the Alliance. The stand was located next to the live demonstration which attracts foot traffic of around 32,000 people over 5 days and the guide was handed out to people who use the road network in the Pilbara region. Road users were encouraged to download the electronic copy from the PIRSA Facebook page. This was supported with a competition. The Facebook post successfully reached over 3,000 people with 253 likes, 93 shares and 132 conversations.

Two 45 second and 15 second ‘Fit for the Trip’ television commercials (TVC’s) were produced by the Mid-West Industry Road Safety Alliance (MWIRSA). This campaign addresses the signs of fatigue whilst driving and promotes adequate sleep as a remedy for fatigue. The TVC’s were shown at the local Orana Cinemas in Geraldton during the 2014 September and October school holidays (26th September – 12th October 2014). This campaign included two bench seats with advertising located in two high traffic density locations in Geraldton - Brand Highway and North Coastal Highway. No cost was incurred for this advertising space.

The successful delivery of effective road safety solutions and initiatives arising from the current industry alliances has highlighted the potential to expand the initiative into other regions.

Workplace Road Safety Program

This project encourages organisations to take greater responsibility for the safety of their employees by providing the opportunity to build a customised Workplace Road Safety Policy. In January 2014, a new Workplace Road Safety Website went “live”, providing an online mechanism for businesses to create and build a customised road safety policy. The website includes a suite of downloadable support materials providing a wide range of road safety marketing materials including print friendly versions of PowerPoint presentations, brochures and posters. Additionally, television and radio commercials and fact sheets are also made available. In this financial year, major enhancement work to the Workplace Road Safety website has been progressed following a move to the new development environment. It is envisaged that the website will reach its full capacity in early 2015/16.

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3.2 MAIN ROADS WA

In addition to managing the safety of the State’s road network through maintenance, dedicated Black Spot and Safer Roads programs, Main Roads WA undertook a number of RTTA funded projects in 2014-15 to contribute to the implementation of the Towards Zero strategy. The following projects were progressed:

Cyclist Safety and Urban Design Study

The aim of the project is to reduce cycling injury crashes by enhancing urban design and road environment and is a joint study with Victoria. The findings of this study will contribute government efforts to enhance cycling activity while addressing safety concerns of cyclists. The research will identify key features of infrastructure and road design that increase the crash risk of cyclists.

During 2014/15 the project experienced some delays in recruiting sufficient Western Australian cyclists to undertake a case study of cyclists who attended hospital as a result of a crash. Once this has been completed the second stage of the project will involve translating the findings into enhanced urban design and trialing cyclist’s interaction with these new designs through the use of a simulator. The project is a joint project with Monash University and also received Australian Research Council funding and is a five year study. It is anticipated the project will be completed in 2017/18.

Metropolitan Intersection Crash Program – State Roads

As part of this program treatments that are known to reduce high risk crash types at metropolitan intersections were installed at a number of known high crash risk locations. These include roundabouts, traffic signals, improved pedestrian facilities and improved signal phasing among others.

This program seeks to reduce the number and rate at which people are killed or seriously injured at urban intersections. The following intersections had previously been identified as having an above average casualty crash risk and were upgraded during 2014 – 2015:

Albany Highway – Liege St

Ennis Avenue / Port Kennedy Dr Ennis Avenue / Elenorea / Grange Dr

During 2014/15, project development work was undertaken for the following intersections to enable work to be delivered in 2015/16.

Wanneroo Rd – Hepburn Ave

Marmion Ave / Mullaloo Dr

Guildford Rd / Tonkin Hwy

Mitchell Fwy / Wellington St

Albany Hwy / Duncan St

Guildford Rd / Garrett St

Morley Dr / Flinders St

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Regional and Remote Road Improvement Program – Run Off Road Program

This program is designed to reduce the number of and rate at which people are killed or seriously injured due to run-off-road crashes by treating sections of road with an above average risk of run-off road crash, compared to the network average. Treatments include widening carriageways and road shoulders, the installation of audible tactile edge lining, road safety barriers and other speed reduction measures at high risk locations.

During 2014-2015, shoulder sealing to widths varying between 1.0m and 1.5m were constructed on sections of the following regional roads. Audible edge lines were also installed on many of these roads as part of improvement works:

Bussell Hwy Collie - Lake King Road

Donnybrook – Kojonup Road Vasse Hwy

Caves Road Coolgardie - Esperance Hwy

Great Northern Hwy

Victoria Hwy

Electronic School Zone Signs Program

During 2014-15 the Electronic School Zones Signs program continued to be rolled out across the State. There are more than 1000 school zone sites across Western Australia where motorists are required to reduce their speed to 40km /h between 7:30 am and 9:00 am and between 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm. The safety benefit of the electronic signage program is to produce a highly visible display to increase road user awareness of the reduced speed limit during the hours of operation.

During 2014-2015, electronic school zone signs were installed at 92 schools, taking the total number of schools having signage installed since 2007 to 332. Further installations are planned for the 2015/16 financial year, 283 schools in the metropolitan area and 169 schools in regional WA.

Safety Performance Reporting and Mapping

Utilising crash data from 2010 to 2014, Main Roads WA identified road sections and intersections with poor safety records compared to the network average across the metropolitan and regional areas. The crash mapping exercise shows crash clusters by road user type, crash types and severities and provides Main Roads WA and other stakeholders with information to enable them to target high priority sites to reduce fatal and serious injuries.

Speed Monitoring Project

Main Roads WA continued to monitor speed compliance across the State using its speed monitoring survey program. Main Roads WA has conducted these surveys since 2000 and measures vehicle speeds and compliance with speed limits at a range of sites on rural and metropolitan roads zoned 60 km/h and above. The survey has been expanded to include samples of 50 km/h roads across Perth and some regional centres. The surveys consist of more than 2 million vehicles across more than 200 sites.

These surveys are used to modify speed-related programs to ensure they achieve effective outcomes. The indices derived from the speed surveys are used as a basis for assessment of the effectiveness of existing programs and for formulation of new speed-related strategies.

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The key findings of the most recent speed monitoring surveys, conducted in 2014, are outlined in Section 5 – ‘Evaluating and Monitoring the Effectiveness of Measures’ of this report.

3.3 WA POLICE

Increased Breath and Drug Testing

In 2014-15, RTTA funds facilitated the ongoing employment of 20 additional full time police, recruited specifically for breath and drug operations and to manage the additional workload associated with the increased breath and drug testing, including fleet and property management and prosecutions.

WA Police conducted an additional 181,565 drug and alcohol tests across the State and an additional 138,990 alcohol and drug tests from the employment of additional breath and drug testing operation staff. The expanded program utilised multiple deployment strategies including highly visible bus operations, lockdown style operations involving a breath and drug bus and multiple cars flooding surrounding suburbs and car based, district alcohol and drug testing operations at identified locations throughout the state.

The increase in testing throughout the State is an enhanced deterrence of impaired driving as it maximises the perception of being stopped by police for a breath or drug test.

Expansion of Drug Testing Capabilities

This project supported the ongoing capacity and capability for WA Police to manage and coordinate the illicit drug testing program in regional and metropolitan areas. The further expansion of this program enabled police to conduct oral fluid drug testing state-wide through the provision of contemporary drug testing to selected areas, maintain new equipment and increase capacity of the Chemistry Centre testing. In addition, increased training opportunities were provided to allow 20 more police officers to conduct random oral fluid testing operations in remote areas. There were an additional 19,257 tests conducted during this period.

Advanced Traffic Management Vehicles

In 2014-15, this project enabled the continued deployment of 48 Advanced Traffic Motor Vehicles (ATMV). The ATM vehicles have a range of features that assist in the enforcement of drink driving and other major traffic offences including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), in car video, mobile radar system and access to police tactical and business information to enable policing initiatives to be more targeted.

The vehicles have high visibility marking and lights and are fitted with video for enhanced evidence collection, integrated radar and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras which average 1000- 1200 checks per hour. Two of the vehicles have been deployed to each Policing district across the state and the remainder utlised in the Metropolitan area.

A review of the vehicle life span was conducted in 2014 with each of the vehicles lifespan extended to 150, 000 km.

Enhanced Speed Enforcement

In 2014-15, the RTTA funded part of WA Police costs associated with the administration of speed and red light camera operations including:

Infringement processing services for speed and red light camera traffic infringements, including management, customer service, driver ‘re-nominations’, court nominations, investigations, final reminders and referral to the Fines Enforcement Registry;

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Technical services and portion of technical laboratories related to speed camera maintenance and support;

Provision of speed camera vehicles, operating expenses and volume driven consumables directly related to speed camera infringements; and

Service, maintenance and calibration contracts related to the ongoing operations of speed cameras.

Police report that during 2014-15 the predominance of their road safety/traffic law enforcement activity is directed at issues that contribute to fatal and serious crashes. Camera operations and enforcement activities continue to target recidivist offenders and hot spot locations together with campaigns aimed at influencing and improving unsafe driver behaviors.

Speed camera operation hours are being maximized and both red light camera breaches and recorded reckless driving offences are being identified for priority traffic enforcement investigation.

The capability and capacity of traffic enforcement is being enhanced through an increase in regional and metropolitan mobile speed camera hours together with fixed camera sites on freeways and red light camera expansion. A greater concentration on recidivist offenders by way of covert cameras and mixed road policing enforcement activities are continuing.

3.4 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The School Drug Education and Road Aware program (SDERA) is the State Government’s primary road safety education strategy contributing to the Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy and servicing the three education sectors/systems (Association of Independent Schools of WA, the Catholic Education Office and Department of Education). The service and support offered by the SDERA team encompasses all metropolitan, regional and remote areas, including a dedicated consultant in eleven major regional centres of WA.

The program provides road safety education for children and young people up to aged 18 years (and older) and their parents with the aim of positively influencing road user behaviour and preventing road-related injuries and fatalities.

During 2014-2015, the Road Aware program of SDERA:

Provided a state-wide consultancy service and coordination function for early learning services in school and community settings, supporting the implementation of new road safety programs and initiatives in regional and remote areas, including a whole-of-school approach to road safety education;

Service agreements were secured with key stakeholders including Ngaala, Meerilinga, Playgroup WA, Kidsafe WA and RAC;

Provided evidence-based and age-appropriate road safety education resources and programs that focus on key road safety issues and, in particular for young drivers including revised Keys for Life pre-driver education school package with links to the Western Australian curriculum, WA licensing system and WA Certificate of Education;

Delivered road safety education professional learning for educators, stakeholders and parents with targeted strategies for practising and pre-service teachers; peak parenting services; early learning and childhood services; and schools and community groups;

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Communicated and advocated for evidence-informed road safety education at regional, state and national levels. This included: providing leadership and executive support for the WA Road Safety Education Committee (WARSEC); providing leadership and executive support of the Road Safety Education Reference Group Australasia (RSERGA); coordinating the development of Directions: A Western Australian Road Safety Action Plan 2015-17 and Road Map; A road safety directory for schools and communities; and the development of Guidelines for Managing Student Drivers and their Passengers.

Implemented a strategic marketing and communication plan based on research including a rebranding process and an Ambassador program (Professor Donna Cross Telethon Kids, Brad Hogg state and national cricketer, Kylie Catto President of WA Council of State School Organisations and Gary Adshead 6PR journalist) to increase SDERA’s profile.

In 2014-15 the SDERA program delivered:

625 schools were involved in implementing road safety education programs

368 schools were involved in training programs

55 agencies attended training

2,737 teacher/agency participants attended training

5,490 parents, students, children in total attended training

12,286 students engaged in the Keys for Life pre-driver road safety education program

3,238 parents attended Keys for Life pre driver education seminars.

3.5 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Since 1994 the RoadWise Program has continued to evolve to meet changing needs and priorities. The RoadWise Program initiatives inform and assist in mobilising communities towards the coordinated delivery of the Toward Zero Road Safety Strategy. This project represents a partnership between Local and State Government and at the community level between stakeholders that enables community participation to engender political and community support.

RoadWise Community Road Safety Network

The community road safety network extends across eleven regions (serviced and supported by the WALGA RoadWise team) encompassing all metropolitan, regional and remote areas.. This well established network offers an ongoing mechanism for engaging and involving communities in the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge, as well as building social capital for frontline road safety activities.

In 2014-15 RoadWise recorded activity in 92 per cent of local government areas throughout the state. There were 62 RoadWise committees, with a membership of 729 individuals representing 200 organisations, providing a regular forum where local road safety issues are considered and targeted initiatives implemented.

The RoadWise community road safety network involved 3,857 individuals in 337 communities throughout Western Australia. Facilitated by the WALGA RoadWise Program, the community road safety network delivered a range of promotional educational activities throughout 2014-15. These include:

Implementation of 983 educational and promotional activities to increase community awareness and understanding of the safe system cornerstones and Towards Zero, including:

o Road safety promotions at community events reaching more than 118,000 people,

o Presentations to 1,043 people from a variety of community and stakeholder groups,

o Road safety displays that were seen by around 226,475 members of the public,

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o Media stories reaching up to approximately 2,451,604 people, and

o RoadWise Road Safety Newsletters distributed to an average of 2,150 people per month.

Local Government Policy, Advocacy and Leadership

WALGA takes a leadership role to inform and engage Local Government in road safety. As a result of the 83 road safety policy and advocacy activities undertaken in 2014-2015, 97 of the 138 Local Governments have been actively engaged. Some of the key road safety related policy activities undertaken in 2014-15 included participation in the Black Spot Review, Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee, Traffic Management at Events Management Group, Traffic Management at Road Works Advisory Group and contribution to the Cycling on Footpaths discussion paper.

Type 1 Child Car Restraint Fitting Service

The WALGA RoadWise Program coordinates the State-wide Type 1 Child Car Restraint Fitting Service, which involves delivering accredited training of Type 1 Fitters with ongoing follow-up support, providing a dedicated telephone information service and website for Type 1 Fitters and members of the public and convening the Child Car Restraint Reference Group.

In 2014-15, five Type 1 Child Car Restraint Fitter’s training courses were conducted with 69 people completing the course. More than 3300 child car restraints were checked across the State. Faults were identified in up to 28 per cent of the restraints checked.

During the year WALGA convened and chairs the Child Car Restraint Reference Group with membership from the Office of Road Safety, Departments of Transport and Health, Kidsafe WA, RAC, WA Police and the School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA). The Reference Group met on a quarterly basis throughout the year to deal with a range of matters, including: Business Rules for Fitters and Trainers, feedback on a review of mandatory standards and the Australian Road Rules 11th Amendment Package, sustainability of the service and restraint manufacturer issues.

3.6 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Reliable hospital crash trauma and injury data is essential for road safety planning, policy development research and education as well as for monitoring the WA Trauma System from the time of injury to rehabilitation. The DoH is funded to collect and analyse data on trauma patient admissions and to make this data available to road safety agency stakeholders. Linkage of data sets from health, transport and police sources also provides a comprehensive picture of road trauma in WA.

Enhanced Road Safety Data Linkage and Analysis

During 2014-15 the Department of Health (DoH) collaborated with a number of agencies to gather data from the academic and public sectors through its Data Linkage Branch (DBL). This work continued the development of data linkage and analysis capacity and expert analysis of risk factors for crash and serious injury.

The project experienced a number of challenges resulting from poor linkages between crash participant information and other datasets. The DBL is continuing to negotiate with other agencies to overcome these issues.

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The DBL prepared a report on the use of diagnosis injury severity measures and assessed the importance of principle versus multiple injury codes. Preliminary analysis was also completed on the multiple risk factors for pedestrians who have been killed or seriously injured.

PARTY Program - Regional Development

The Royal Perth Hospital program to Prevent Alcohol Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) is an injury prevention program targeting 16 and 17 year olds focusing on road trauma and risk-taking behaviour.

During 2014-15 a regional program coordinator was appointed to continue to roll out the program to regional areas and further tailor the program for Indigenous young people. During this period, the program was piloted in Albany (4 programs) and Karratha (2 programs), with additional outreach programs also run from these regional centres. RTTA funding provided administrative support to the program operating in Bunbury, where 16 programs were run in 2014/15. Work has progressed toward establishing programs in Geraldton with a local program coordinator appointed and a program now established in Manjimup.

The PARTY program coordinator delivered two presentations at the annual Nicky Winmar Cup football carnival, and continued to collaborate with the Football Commission in developing the Midnight Football program.

Road Trauma Support Service

The Road Trauma Support Service WA (RTSSWA) provides direct and indirect support to clients and the community who are affected by road trauma. In 2014-15 the development of a preventative education service targeted at traffic offenders, was undertaken in partnership with other agencies involved in the justice system and Magistrate’s courts.

The service continued to link with appropriately trained trauma and bereavement therapists to provide professional and psychotherapeutic interventions.

The service also provides training to individuals who volunteer to provide non-specialist support to road trauma victims. Preventative education programs and peer support services continued to be delivered through-out 2014/15 including: 317 occasions of counselling, 10 support groups, 13 individual peer support sessions and 10,925 unique web site visits.

3.7 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

Enhanced Speed Enforcement Administration

In 2014-15 the DoT received $1.7 million from the RTTA to cover administrative costs associated with the collection of speed and red light fine revenue.

The ongoing administration function of processing traffic infringements paid by offenders committing traffic offences, is managed by the DoT. The RTTA funds staff, payment channels and infrastructure for the collection of revenue received from traffic infringements, the management on demerit point notices, good behaviour period election, disqualifications, suspensions and cancellation of driver’s licences.

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Alcohol Interlock program

DoT has commenced preparation for significant legislative, system and administrative changes for the scheme’s implementation. DOT is a member of the Repeat Drink Driver Working Group, chaired by the ORS.

The Alcohol Interlock program will introduce the mandatory fitting of an alcohol interlock device into an offender’s vehicle upon the grant of a driver's licence after certain drink driving offences. The device will prevent a person from driving after drinking by requiring a breath sample under BAC 0.02% before the vehicle will start.

During 2014/15 the Working Group guided drafting of the Road Traffic (Alcohol Interlock) Regulations 2014, which provide for the regular monitoring of drink driving behaviour and referral to alcohol and assessment and treatment services where non-compliance is detected.

During this period DOT worked toward improving the Transport Information database (TRELIS) to support the introduction of the scheme, together with a comprehensive communications, education and training program both for internal and external stakeholders.

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4. COORDINATING IMPLEMENTATION OF ROAD SAFETY ACTIVITY

4.1 ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL

The Council’s regular meetings are its primary mechanism for coordinating the implementation of its recommended measures. During 2014-2015 the Council met on:

31 July 2014

28 August 2014

21 October 2014 – Browne Review discussion

27 November 2014 - Budget Endorsement Meeting

26 February 2015

25 March 2015

4 June 2015

At these meetings, the Council monitored:

Police enforcement and crash statistics, together with the findings of emerging research, to re-confirm its directions and identify effective countermeasures to reduce deaths and serious injuries on WA roads;

The progress of agencies in implementing the measures the Council had identified as

priorities and funded by State Government; and

Revenue into and expenditure from the RTTA.

In accordance with Section 11 of the Act, the Council has maintained accurate minutes of each of these meetings.

4.2 ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL – BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

The principle role of the Council is to make recommendations to the Minister for Road Safety on the allocation of funds toward maximising road safety outcomes in Western Australia and that align with the Western Australia’s road safety strategy, Towards Zero.

In 2014-15 the Council considered a budget proposal prepared by the ORS which was developed through substantial liaison and a greater level of due diligence with RSC agencies on their project proposals. The ORS used its expertise to make recommendations to the Council on the optimal mix of initiatives required to effectively address the crash priorities endorsed by the Council at its Annual Planning Meeting in May.

The Budget Endorsement Meeting was held on the 27 November 2014 where the Council reviewed documentation prepared by the ORS including:

The Master Action Plan for 2014-15 that summarised the progress being achieved, emerging issues and priority directions to be pursued if the 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on WA roads is to be achieved by 2020. This provides an overview of progress and a rationale for the budget being recommended and is consistent with one of the key recommendations following the review by the Auditor-General in 2012;

The budget overview;

Six business cases that address six priority action areas for road safety including:

o Business Case 1 – Metropolitan Intersections o Business Case 2 – Run-off Road Crashes o Business Case 3 – Impaired Driving

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o Business Case 4 – Excessive Speed o Business Case 5 – Occupant Protection and Post-Crash Response o Business Case 6 – Informing and Mobilising Action

All RTTA funded projects recommended by the Road Safety Council were part of one of these business cases.

At its 27 November 2014 meeting, the Council considered the RTTA 2015-16 Budget and made recommendations for the budget to be approved by the Minister for Road Safety in the State Government Budget 2015-16.

4.3 SAFER ROADS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Safer Roads Advisory Committee is a sub-committee of the Road Safety Council managed by Main Roads WA. The Committee aims to ensure that the policies and strategies guiding the implementation of road safety initiatives undertaken by Main Roads WA and Local Government maximise safety outcomes for all road users.

Table 6: Safer Roads Advisory Committee Members 2013-2014

MEMBER REPRESENTING

Des Snook (Chair) Main Roads WA

Iain Cameron Office of Road Safety

Mal Shervill WA Local Government Association

Una Metha Royal Automobile Club of WA

David Moyses Main Roads WA

Jana Geisler Main Roads WA

During the 2014-2015 financial year, the Committee met on 24 November 2014 and 18 February 2015.

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5. EVALUATING AND MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEASURES

At the end of each financial year, the Council notes the progress of each project funded from the RTTA. A Score Card report details the objectives of each project and the extent to which the associated performance indicators, budgets and estimated timelines have been met.

Table 7 summaries the key performance indicators (KPIs) and timeframe performance of the RTTA-funded projects for 2014-2015.

Table 7: Road Trauma Trust Account Project KPIs and Timeframe Performance

.RESULT Timeframe KPIs

NUMBER % KPI's %

Yes 31 78 26 65

No 9 22 14 35

TOTAL *

40 100 40 100

*Source: ORS

*Totals have been calculated excluding administrative projects or those which were exempt from

reporting requirements

Table 8 summarises the number of RTTA-funded ORS projects completed on budget and on time during 2014-2015.

Table 8: Road Trauma Trust Account Projects (ORS only) Completed On Budget and On Time

RESULT On Budget On Time

NUMBER % NUMBER %

Yes 23 100 21 91

No 0 2

TOTAL *

23 100 23 91

*Source: ORS

*Totals have been calculated excluding administrative projects or those which were exempt from

reporting requirements.

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NETWORK TRAVEL SPEEDS

Achieving safe travel speeds remains one of the key priorities of the Toward Zero Strategy. There are strong empirical relationships between mean travel speeds and crashes which show that for every one per cent reduction in average travel speed on roads zoned at various speeds there is a corresponding reduction of four per cent in fatal crashes and three per cent in serious injury crashes.

Approximately one-third, 35% (65) of the 184 fatalities and 22% (65) of the 298 critical injuries in WA in 2014 resulted in crashes that occurred in 110km/h speed zones.

Of the 79 fatalities that occurred in Metropolitan WA, 29% (23) resulted from crashes that occurred in 60km/h speed zones.

Measures of mean speed and compliance with speed limits are therefore a key indicator of the progress being made in relation to speeding-related trauma. Main Roads WA has conducted annual speed surveys since 2000 (excluding 2001, 2002, 2006 & 2009) to measure driver speed compliance across the road network. The principal objective of the survey is to measure changes in driver speed behaviour at general locations through-out the state over time.

Changes in driver behaviour are used as measures of the effectiveness of speed enforcement programs and other road safety initiatives to slow vehicle speeds and improve safety of all road users across the entire road network.

Summary of key findings:

Metropolitan areas

Mean metropolitan speeds in 2014 remained at or below the applicable speed limit for all speed zones.

Speed compliance in the metropolitan area was found to be 66 per cent. This is the highest compliance rate recorded since the base line survey in 2000 where the rate was 53 per cent.

Generally, there has been an improvement in most speed zones in the speed compliance rates in 2014 on metropolitan road networks when compared to the year 2000 survey.

The poorest compliance rate was found to be on 60km/h roads, which was observed to be at 61.7 per cent in 2014. The compliance rate increased on 70km/h and 80km/h roads to 68 per cent and 72.4 per cent. This is 28.6 per cent and 21.4 per cent higher than in 2000.

Table 9: Mean Travel Speeds on Metropolitan Roads in WA

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Table 10: Speed compliance on metropolitan roads in WA

Rural Roads

The 2014-15 rural survey includes 120 sites from samples of National Highways, State Roads and Local Roads. This is an increased number from previous years to include a speed survey on 50km/h local roads.

Overall, the study found that the driver compliance on rural roads has improved significantly since 2000. In 2014, 69.9 per cent of all vehicles travelled at or below the posted speed limit.

The number of drivers travelling at speeds of 10km/h above the speed limit was 4.8 per cent in 2014. This has reduced significantly over time from 8.6 per cent in 2000. Similarly, the number of drivers speeding (over 10km/h) was 44 per cent less than in 2000. This represents a very significant positive change in driver speed behaviour.

The poorest compliance with the speed limit was on roads in a 60km/h speed limit. The compliance rate on the 70km/h and 80km/h roads increased over the period by 14.8 per cent and 74.4 per cent in 2014.

The mean travel speeds across the rural road network were less than the posted speed limit in all speed zones.

Speed compliance on rural local roads with a speed limit of 50km/h was found to be 60.8 per cent. The mean travel speed was 47.2 km/h.

Table 11: Mean Travel Speeds on Rural Roads in WA

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Table 12: Speed compliance on rural roads in WA

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6. EVALUATING AND MONITORING THE SAFETY OF THE STATE’S ROADS

This section provides an overview of the current safety of the State’s roads as well as a comparison to preceding years and a baseline period (2005-2007).

It is important to note that in 2010 improvements were made to the way injuries were recorded. These changes may affect the reliability of trends in time series that include figures from both before and after 2010. These improvements, however, do not affect fatality counts and have a limited impact on serious injuries. Most of the change will be seen in the minor injuries and non-injury crash statistics. Due to these changes, Table 13 provides the 2014 change in a number of Key Performance Indicators from both the five-year average and 2014. The data is based on reported crashes only.

Overall, the number of persons killed and seriously injured in the calendar year 2014 (1898) decreased by 28.6 per cent from the preceding five-year average (2,767). The rate of persons killed and seriously injured per 100,000 population in 2014 (73.8) also decreased by 34.3 per cent when compared with the preceding five-year rate (112.3).

In line with these overall trends, many of the indicators reported in this section showed improvement in 2014 when compared with previous years. For example, the number of motor vehicle passengers killed and seriously injured decreased from the five year average of 603 (2009-2013) to 357 in 2014, a decrease of 40.8 per cent.

In March 2010, the RSC endorsed the adoption of the Willingness to Pay (WTP) approach for estimating the cost of crashes in economic valuations. It is usually defined as the amount of money that individuals are willing to pay to reduce their risk of premature death or injury while performing certain risky activities, such as using the road network. This method is used to calculate the cost of road trauma in a number of countries, including New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The WTP valuation for 2014 reveals that road crashes are estimated to have cost the WA community approximately $2.76 billion.4

As part of the development of Towards Zero, three crash types were prioritised based on their estimated contribution to the number of deaths and serious injuries. Intersection and run-off-road crashes were identified as priorities since each represented a third of the people killed and seriously injured in the baseline period (2005-2007). The third crash type, head on crashes, was identified as a priority because the risk associated with a person being killed or seriously injured is high.

Data for 2014 shows that the majority (79.9 per cent) of persons killed or seriously injured in intersection crashes were in the metropolitan area, whereas the majority (62.3 per cent) of run-off-road crashes occurred in regional/remote areas. Almost half, (46.1 per cent) of the head-on crashes occurred in the metropolitan area. Despite overall reductions in persons killed and seriously injured, these crash types remain a concern due to their frequency, severe injury outcomes or overrepresentation in various areas of the State.

Towards Zero also continues the traditional focus on changing risky behaviour, particularly the priorities of reducing drink driving and speeding. In 2014, positive results continued to be seen in the reduction of the number of fatalities in crashes involving speed and/ or alcohol. In 2014 there were 41 fatalities in crashes involving alcohol, which is a 25 per cent decrease compared to the preceding five-year average (55). Similarly, there were 52 fatalities in speed related crashes, a 3 per cent decrease on the preceding five-year average (53.8)

4 The WTP valuations were obtained from the New South Wales Road Traffic Authority publication ‘Economic Valuation of Safety

Benefits: Serious injuries –Final report’. These figures are adjusted for inflation using the Perth-specific CPI for the end of the June quarter 2013.

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In August 2012, the Council endorsed a set of Safety Performance Indicators that move from a system of predominantly reporting behavioural causes of crashes and crash totals to a more comprehensive framework that seeks to link interventions with results. This was a key recommendation of the 2010 Capacity Review.5

A set of safety performance indicators for the six priority road safety result areas that are expected to contribute most to the overall reduction in road trauma have been developed and are being reported against on a quarterly basis. These indicators cover:

Final crash outcomes in terms of reductions in killed and seriously injured (KSI)

Intermediate outcomes in terms of changes to mean travel speeds, enforcement hit rates, safe system appropriateness of road and roadside infrastructure, community awareness of road safety messages and crashworthiness of vehicle fleet

Levels of effort and activity in program areas such as enforcement and education, road treatments.

These indicators are being modified and refined with use and experience, particularly those related to the safe system transformation of the road network. The indicators showed that in 2014/15:

Audible edgelines and wider sealed shoulders, which have shown to reduce crash outcomes by up to 60% in other areas of the State road network, are being rolled out on priority sections of regional State roads;

Enforcement efforts are having a positive impact on drink driving charge rates, with the number of preliminary breath tests conducted in Perth and regional WA rising and the number of charges laid from these tests falling;

Compliance with speed limits, as ascertained by traffic survey data from the December 2014 report, is increasing across all speed zones.

Mean travel speeds remain below the posted speed limit across all speed zones.

5 To ensure that WA has the capability to effectively implement Towards Zero strategy, the Road Safety Council

commissioned a review of the road safety management capacity in WA in 2010.

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Table 13: Key Performance Indicators

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2005-2007 AVERAGE

(BASELINE) 2013

2009-2013

5 YEAR AVERAGE 2014

2014

CHANGE FROM 5 YEAR

AVERAGE

2014 CHANGE

FROM

2013

Estimated cost of crashes to the WA community1,2

Cost (2014 $m) - Human Capital 2758.2 2309.8 2659 2013.2 -18.7 -12.8

Cost (2014 $m) - Willingness to Pay n/a 2799.3 3099.4 2763.5 -10.8 - 1.3

Number and percentage of serious crashes by Towards Zero regions

n % n % n % n % % %

Metropolitan Perth 1631.3 67.6 425 67.8 1457.8 67.2 1065 64.9 -26.0 -25.3

Regional WA 455.7 18.9 440 20.9 438.6 20.2 343 20.9 -21.8 -22.0

Remote WA 327.3 13.6 236 11.2 272.6 12.6 233 14.2 -14.5 - 1.3

Number and percentage of persons killed and seriously injured

Fatal 200 6.5 161 6.4 180 6.8 182 9.6 1.1 13.0

Serious injury 2,875 93.5 2357 93.6 2479.2 93.2 1716 90.4 -30.8 -27.2

Persons KSI 3,075 100.0 2518 100.0 2659.2 100.0 1898 100.0 -28.6 -24.6 *Please note that in 2010 there was an improvement to the way injuries were recorded. This may impact long term trends which cover pre and post 2010.

1. The baseline and five-year average for cost of crashes were calculated using CPI indexed costs. 2. Willingness-to-Pay valuations are not available prior to 2007. Averages have not been calculated for Willingness-to-Pay values due to absent data. 3. The denominators for rate calculations are obtained using ABS data (catalogue numbers: 9309.0, 9208.0, and 3218.0). The 2008, 2009 and 2011 estimates for vehicle

kilometres travelled are based on the average kilometres travelled per vehicle, interpolated between 2007, 2010 and 2012. The 2014 estimate is based on an extrapolation of the 2005 to 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013 values.

4. These counts are only of persons KSI in crashes attended by police only. The % represents the proportion of people KSI in police-attended crashes. 5. These counts are only of motor vehicle occupants (MVOs) KSI in crashes attended by police. The % represents the proportion of MVOs KSI in police-attended crashes.

These counts are only of motorcyclists KSI in crashes attended by police. The % represents the proportion of motorcyclists KSI in police-attended crashes. These counts are only of bicyclists KSI in crashes attended by police. The % represents the proportion of bicyclists KSI in police-attended crashes. Run off road, intersection and head on crash types are not mutually exclusive.

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Table 13: Key Performance Indicators (continued)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2005-2007 AVERAGE

(BASELINE) 2013

2009-2013

5 YEAR AVERAGE 2014

2014

CHANGE FROM 5 YEAR

AVERAGE

2014 CHANGE

FROM

2013

n % n % n % n % % %

Injury rates for persons killed and seriously injured3

Persons KSI per 100,000 population 149.6 100 112.3 73.8 -34.3 -26.2

Persons KSI per 10,000 registered vehicles

19.2 12.3 13.8 8.9 -35.8 -27.9

Persons KSI per 100 million km travelled 13.5 8.8 9.9 6.5 -34.4 -26.9

Number of persons killed and seriously injured in police-attended crashes involving illegal behaviour

Please consult corresponding footnotes on preceding page for interpretation of percentages.

Speed a factor in the crash4 491 18.5 239 10.9 327 14.0 24 1.5 -92.7 -90.0

Alcohol a factor in the crash4 335 12.6 186 8.5 259 11.0 119 7.3 -54.0 -36.0

Motor Vehicles Occupants5 KSI not

wearing seat belt6

204 9.8 90 5.9 128 7.6 88 8.2 -31.3 -2.2

Motorcyclists KSI not wearing a helmet

7

33 10.5 35 9.7 34 9.4 17 5.0 -49.7 -51.4

Bicyclists KSI not wearing a helmet8 27 35.1 26 23.0 23 24.6 7 8.3 -69.8 -73.1

Number and percentage of persons killed and seriously injured by road user type

Motor vehicle driver 1615 52.5 1,217 48.3 1299 48.9 872 45.9 -32.9 -28.3

Motor vehicle passenger 784 25.5 512 20.3 603 22.7 357 18.8 -40.8 -30.3

Motorcycle rider 343 11.2 417 16.6 397 14.9 397 20.9 -0.1 -4.8

34

Table 13: Key Performance Indicators (continued)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2005-2007 AVERAGE

(BASELINE) 2013

2009-2013

5 YEAR AVERAGE 2014

2014 CHANGE FROM 5 YEAR

AVERAGE

2014 CHANGE

FROM 2013

n % n % n % n % % %

Number and percentage of persons killed and seriously injured by road user type

Motorcycle passenger 23 0.7 20 0.8 25 0.9 17 0.9 -32.5 -15.0

Bicyclist 100 3.2 137 5.4 119 4.5 110 5.8 -7.7 -19.7

Pedestrian 210 6.8 214 8.5 214 8.1 144 7.6 -32.8 -32.7

Other 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0.1 25.0 0.0

Number and percentage of persons killed or seriously injured in crashes at intersections by Towards Zero areas9

Metropolitan Perth 1087 83.5 862 82.6 913 82.3 571 79.9 -37.5 -33.8

Regional WA 160 12.3 144 13.8 150 13.5 92 12.9 -38.8 -36.1

Remote WA 55 4.2 37 3.5 46 4.2 52 7.3 -12.1 40.5

Number and percentage of persons killed or seriously injured in head on crashes by Towards Zero areas9

Metropolitan Perth 98 58.1 69 50.7 78 52.5 59 46.1 -24.6 -14.5

Regional WA 48 28.4 40 29.4 42 28.2 53 41.4 26.2 32.5

Remote WA 23 13.5 27 19.9 29 19.3 16 12.5 -44.4 -40.7

Number and percentage of persons killed or seriously injured in run off road crashes by Towards Zero areas9

Metropolitan Perth 460 41.5 360 41.0 387 40.9 244 37.9 -36.9 -32.2

Regional WA 315 28.4 289 33.0 301 31.9 206 32.0 -31.6 -28.7

Remote WA 333 30.1 228 26.0 258 27.2 194 30.1 -24.7 -14.9

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7. MANAGING THE ROAD TRAUMA TRUST ACCOUNT

During 2014-2015, project proposals were sought from agencies for 2015-2016 RTTA funding that demonstrated a direct contribution to achieving the priority outcomes of the Towards Zero strategy.

In accordance with Section 12 (6) of the Act, unallocated RTTA funding is to be applied for the purposes determined by the Minister having regard to the recommendations of the Council. A key function of the Council is to identify measures:

To improve the safety of roads in the State; and

To reduce the deaths of people, the injuries to people, and the damage to property, resulting from incidents occurring on roads in the State.

The RSC observes a strict conflict of interest policy in regard to all business before the Council, including the formation of its recommendations on allocations from the RTTA. The policy requires that all Council members provide relevant information to a register of standing interests maintained by the Council secretariat. The policy also requires that Councillors disclose any changes to their standing interests or any matters that might be perceived as creating a conflict of interest at the commencement of each Council meeting. RSC members are not required to declare their relationship with their principal employers as a standing interest as this information is regarded as self-evident.

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8. ROAD TRAUMA TRUST ACCOUNT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE 2014-2015

Table 14 shows the projected budget and the actual income for the RTTA for 2014-2015.

Table 14: Sources of Road Trauma Trust Account Revenue

SOURCE OF FUNDS

PROJECTED BUDGET

ACTUAL REVENUE

$ $

Infringement Inflows 107,498,753 99,787,034

Unspent Funds Returned to the RTTA

0 762,516

Interest 2,500,000 2,592,691

Other Revenue 150,000 214,275

TOTAL 110,148,753 103,356,516

Source: ORS.

Funding from the RTTA reflects the approved projects under six Business Cases that adhere to the four cornerstones of Towards Zero strategy (i.e. safe speeds, safe roads and roadsides, safe vehicles, safe road use) and also the supporting safe system foundations (i.e. community awareness campaigns, school education program and various research).

Table 15 overleaf shows the amounts allocated to individual projects in the 2014-15 financial year and lists the actual expenditure in these areas over the year.

37

Table 15: Project Funding approved by the Minister for Road Safety and Actual Project Expenditure, 2014-15

PROJECTS Submitting Agencies

Approved Budget 2014/15

Expenditure 2014/15

Metropolitan Intersection Crashes 2 6,337,717 6,337,715

Metropolitan Intersection Crashes - State & Local Roads MRWA 6,237,717 6,237,715

Cyclist Safety and Urban Design Study MRWA 100,000 100,000

Run-off Road Crashes on Regional Roads 2 58,984,958 40,400,713

Regional and Remote Road Improvements - State & Local Roads

MRWA 58,864,958 40,280,713

Safety Performance Report and Mapping MRWA 120,000 120,000

Impaired Driving Crashes 4 7,431,022 6,826,544

Increase Breath and Drug Testing WAPOL 4,621,211 4,621,211

Expansion of Drug Testing Capabilities WAPOL 842,832 842,832

Advanced Traffic Management Vehicle Project WAPOL 426,006 426,006

Repeat Drink Driving Strategy Implementation DOT 1,540,973 936,495

Excess and Inappropriate Speed Crashes 4 17,373,628 15,519,918

Electronic School Zone Sign Project MRWA 3,935,825 2,682,115

Speed Monitoring Project MRWA 120,651 120,651

Enhanced Speed Enforcement Administration Costs - WAPOL

WAPOL 10,633,152 10,033,152

Enhanced Speed Enforcement Administration Costs - DOT

DOT 2,684,000 2,684,000

Vehicle Safety, Unprotected Occupants and Road Users

1 300,000 280,270

Safer Vehicles, Policy, Data and Crash Testing ORS 300,000 280,270

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Informing and Mobilising Road Safety Actions 33 15,289,335 14,449,869

Workplace Road Safety ORS 106,000 105,251

Website and Online Communications ORS 350,000 348,875

Events ORS 73,000 59,521

Media Management ORS 95,000 80,324

Partnership Program ORS 120,000 112,348

Salary Costs ORS 3,664,745 3,287,391

RSC Costs ORS 99,000 78,439

ORS Business Costs ORS 142,480 121,088

Fixed Assets Acquisitions for Office of Road Safety ORS 30,520 30,520

Legislation Drafting ORS 960,000 950,717

WA Contribution to National Road Safety ORS 20,000 9,085

Safety Performance Monitoring and Reporting ORS 75,000 39,904

Road Safety Community Grants ORS 210,000 190,434

Road Safety Research and Evaluation ORS 730,000 717,235

Drink Driving Community Education ORS 580,000 578,818

Speeding Community Education ORS 580,000 589,326

Safer Vehicles Community Education ORS 390,000 396,739

Restraints Community Education ORS 199,045 198,834

Fatigue and Distractions Community Education ORS 55,500 56,872

Aboriginal Road Safety Community Education ORS 45,455 36,364

Vulnerable Road Users - Bicycle Safety ORS 300,000 298,201

Attitudinal Research ORS 137,000 128,295

Speed Enforcement - Community Education ORS 515,000 518,702

Motorcyclists - Community Education ORS 210,000 225,442

Cycling Safety - Community Education ORS 210,000 192,347

Highway Safety Review ORS 35,000 0

Data Linkage and Road Safety Analysis Project DOH 325,000 105,227

PARTY Program DOH 118,490 80,469

RoadWise - The WALGA Local Government and Community Road Safety Program

WALGA 1,480,100 1,480,100

Road Aware DOE 1,552,000 1,552,000

Legal Services DOT 131,000 131,000

Road Trauma Support Services DOH 750,000 750,000

Neurotrauma Research Program DOH 1,000,000 1,000,000

TOTAL FOR RTTA FUNDED ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL PROJECTS6

46 105,716,660 83,815,029

6 This figure includes carry-overs from 2014-2015 and Mid-Year Review Budget changes.