A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher has been recognised with an Australasian award for her efforts to better understand – and change – risky road behaviours.
UniSC Senior Research Fellow Dr Verity Truelove has received the Australasian College of Road Safety Young Leader Oration Award for her inspiring road safety research and potential for future leadership.
Dr Truelove’s research at the MAIC/ UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration – a partnership between the University and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission – addresses road rule violations, such as speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving.
“When we want to understand how to maximise road safety initiatives, I think it is important to also understand what role evolving technology will play and how it can be used to both aid road safety and be a road safety risk.”
– Dr Verity Truelove
“It is also vital to have a larger focus on road safety outside of urban areas, such as in more regional, rural and remote areas,” Dr Truelove said.
“Unified road safety strategies that don’t consider some of the environmental and social differences across these regions may result in some groups benefitting more than others.”
As well as her research contribution, Dr Truelove led the development of a formalised mentorship program for Australasian College of Road Safety members and was invited to start its Early Career Network for members across Australasia.
She said it was an honour to be recognised as a future leader in road safety research in Australasia.
“I am very grateful to receive this award, and to also work with an amazing group of people – and to be offered so many opportunities – at the MAIC/ UniSC Road Safety Research collaboration,” she said.
“It has also been really beneficial to be able to collaborate with other organisations such as the police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.”
The award was one of three presented at the recent 2023 Australasian Road Safety Conference in Cairns.
Australian Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Senator Carol Brown acknowledged the exceptional work by road safety professionals and practitioners who continued to strive for evidence-based road safety research, effective community engagement, and change at both local and global levels.
“Road safety is a matter that affects all Australians every day, and I understand that a career in road safety is complex, challenging, and at times, confronting,” Assistant Minister Brown said.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and I am confident that together we can reach our target of Vision Zero by 2050.”
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