Enhanced Crash Investigation – Translating Research into Action

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the success of an innovative new approach to applying crash site analysis, combined with victim interviews, to the implementation of road safety measures. By directly using in-depth crash data to better understand crash causation, improve communication between road safety stakeholders and formulate actions to reduce serious road trauma in Victoria, the VicRoads Enhanced Crash Investigation (ECI) project set a new precedent in Australia. A research nurse collected comprehensive medical and interview data from car drivers and motorcycle riders hospitalized from a serious injury crash occurring in Victoria. Investigators conducted a detailed inspection of their vehicle and the crash site within two weeks of crash occurrence. Individual cases from the region were compiled and presented to a panel of key stakeholders (including VicRoads, local government, police, SES, ambulance and community road safety representatives) who then identified the probable factors contributing to crash occurrence and identified actions to prevent the crash in question as well as more general safety issues.