Rural speed situation analysis

Abstract

An analysis of the current situation in speeding and speed related crashes in rural areas was conducted by the Road Accident Research Unit of Adelaide University to facilitate the development of a research based anti-speeding media and enforcement campaign. Key outcomes required were: A literature review of other relevant research findings and identification of 'best practice7 interstate; Identification of demographic and crash characteristics of rural speeders; An insight into social norms relating to speeding and identification of rural speeding behaviour rationalisations; Identification of legal sanctions, enforcement tactics and social and moral obligations, likely to influence or inhibit their speeding; An assessment of likely rural enforcement strategies, programs and specific activities over the next 12 months; Identification of key target groups and their speeding behaviours; Identification of issues amenable to mass media messages likely to influence speeding behaviour. The situation analysis consists of four sections. The first section provides a brief overview of the literature relating to speeding in rural areas within Australia, the second section investigates road crash statistics, the third section investigates enforcement practices, and the final section examines market research incorporating focus group discussions.