SCIENTIFIC answers to WA’s road crashes and death tolls will be sought with the recent launch of the state’s first independent road safety research and advisory centre.

The Curtin-Monash Universities Accident Research Centre was officially launched at the Bentley campus, bringing together the universities’ research into WA road crashes to form the first institute of its kind in the State.

The Curtin-Monash Universities Accident Research Centre will seek scientific answers to how we can reduce WA's road toll / Image: Istockphoto

Speaking at the opening, C-MARC Interim Director Professor Ian Johnston said the initiative is critical to providing independent advice for WA’s unique road safety concerns.

“We have that ability to be an independent voice that will forward ideas and raise concerns that governments will not because they may be controversial. One of our key roles will be that public intellectual role to get facts out to the public for discussion.

“Western Australia is different nationally, as it has a much bigger remote area and regional issue than other states. That’s why WA really needs its own road safety research centre.”

C-MARC will work closely with the Office for Road Safety to provide advice to the State Government on road safety issues. The research centre has been set up under a five year grant from the state government and will accept contracts or grants under its research program for industry and outside groups.

Monash University Accident Research Centre Director Professor Rod McClure said the partnership between Curtin and Monash Universities will be effective in finding science based solutions for WA’s road concerns.

“MUARC’s core mission is to use research to engage with industry and communities to prevent the loss of life and serious injury on our roads.

“Curtin University shares the understanding that core independent science is critical to influencing the problem. With Curtin, those people with experience and direct communication with the affected communities are engaged to (do that).”

In March this year the WA state government endorsed the Road Safety Council's recommended road safety strategy for 2008–2020, titled ‘Towards Zero’.

The strategy utilised extensive community and university research to formalise recommendations for a road safety strategy, and is expected to save 11,000 deaths or serious injuries on WA roads over the next 12 years and up to $4.1 billion in unnecessary road crash costs.

Road Safety Council Councillor Andrew Robertson said C-MARC was an important step for the success of the ‘Towards Zero’ initiative.

“We need to strive for fewer deaths and injuries on our roads through safer cars, roads, road uses and travel speeds as well as through safe systems to support the strategy implementation.

“The crucial role of C-MARC will be to provide that valuable knowledge, research and evidence to assist in community and stakeholder understanding and involvement in road safety.”
 
The launch was hosted by C-MARC Chair Paul Nicholls who said the centre will take a sincere approach towards addressing these issues. 

“It is sometimes easy to view road deaths and traumas in terms of statistics and dollars but there is certainly an appreciation of the severe impacts these occurrences can have on people’s lives.”

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