Research
Before starting upon a new initiative, some background research may be needed to establish a baseline or determine the potential need amongst the intended target group. We offer a wide variety of survey techniques and can advise as to their relative suitability in specific situations.
Recent examples of our work include -
- Alcohol ignition interlocks
- International review of interlock usage
- Motorcycle action plans
- 16+ Accessibility to education
Alcohol Ignition Interlocks
Interlocks are devices that stop people who have been drinking from starting their vehicle. A trial of their use is permitted under s15 of the Road Safety Act 2006. We were part of a consortium, led by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada, investigating the practical problems that the introduction of interlocks might raise and discovering how their use affects both the drinking and drink driving habits of offenders and their families. Funded by DfT, the final report (RSRR No 88) was published in 2008.
International review of interlock usage
We have also undertaken an international review of interlock programmes for DfT in partnership with Beirness and Associates of Canada. The work involved literature reviews and interviews with both major interlock manufacturers and programme organisers in North America and Europe. The report (RSRR No 89) was published in 2008.
Motorcycle Action Plans
Motorcycle KSI casualties represent 19% of all KSI casualties but only about 1% of road traffic. We worked with two local authorities to analyse their motorcycle casualty statistics and draft their Motorcycle Action Plans, an integral part of the second LTP.
16+ accessibility to education
The Buckinghamshire Lifelong Learning Partnership wanted to study the transport needs of students aged 16+. Focus groups were run to determine the key issues from which a questionnaire was devised. An initial survey was conducted with all 16 year olds in the County to determine if transport was a factor for students when making choices about further education opportunities. A year later, the same students were surveyed again about their actual experiences of post-16 education travel.