Research

Research

We analyse a wide range of data and crash statistics from across the state to help develop practical solutions that improve road safety in NSW.

We have some of the most extensive road safety information in the world which supports safety improvements on NSW roads.

A Safe System approach is central to moving Towards Zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. The 4 elements of the Safe System are safer people, safe roads, safer speeds and safer vehicles. By improving the safety of all parts of the system, if 1 element fails, then the other 3 elements can still function to protect people from being killed or seriously injured.

Crashlab

Crashlab’s world-class facility has provided a wide range of national research and commercial testing services for more than 40 years. It is accredited as a testing laboratory by the:

  • National Association of Testing Authorities
  • UK Vehicle Certification Authority
  • Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation.

Crashlab’s test laboratory supports technical contribution to the development and improvement of Australian Standards and Australian Design Rules for seatbelts, child restraints, helmets (pedal cycle and motorcycle), bus seats, wheelchair restraints and vehicle occupant protection in frontal, side and rear impacts.

At Crashlab, we're able to do:

  • Dynamic sled testing of child restraints, seatbelts, car/bus/ferry/aircraft seats and wheelchair restraints
  • Helmet testing (motorcycle, pedal cycle and equestrian)
  • Harness testing (industrial/sporting harness and fall arrest devices)
  • Accident investigation of safety equipment from vehicle crashes
  • test frontal offset, side impact and pole side impact on behalf of ANCAP.

 

The crash barrier features a 480-square-metre central crash hall, 180m of fully enclosed concrete runway and a movable 110 tonne crash reaction block. A further 30m of uncovered runway leads into an outdoor area where vehicle roll-over and road safety barrier tests are conducted. The DC drive control system can accurately and safely accelerate an 8-tonne truck from rest to 80km/h or a 3-tonne vehicle up to 110km/h.

Our sophisticated crash test dummies have many sensors to measure the forces and accelerations in a crash. We have dummies that represent adults and children of different sizes. They mimic the dimensions, weight distribution and joint articulation of the human body and are capable of measuring the forces on the body in a vehicle crash.

A vehicle crash is a violent and rapid event usually occurring in less than half a second. The loads and forces that result in serious occupant injury often occur in the first one-tenth of a second. Measurements and data generated from the dummies in a crash test are captured rapidly on sophisticated recording instruments.

Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre

The Transport for NSW Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre is set to become NSW’s next 5-star safety testing facility, in addition to the established CrashLab facility at Huntingwood.

The development and uptake of new and emerging vehicle and other road safety technologies is beneficial in reducing road trauma. This facility, on the site of a former airstrip at Cudal in Central Western NSW, can test these technologies.

The Cudal facility provides simulated, open road and junctions for technicians to test technologies such as:

  • Autonomous Emergency Braking – vehicle to vehicle systems
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking - vulnerable road user systems
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Speed Assist Systems

 

Future plans for the facility will allow technicians to test and refine emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-traffic signal communications and complex vehicle-to-vehicle systems.

Research information

Safer people

Safer roads

Safer speeds
Safer vehicles

Road Safety Technology

Strategy development

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