Development of a proactive brief road safety intervention for industry

In Australia, road crashes are the most common cause of work-related fatalities, injuries and absence from work (Haworth et al., 2000), with the average time lost being greater than any other workplace claim (Stewart-Bogle, 1999; WA, 2003). Furthermore, work-related crashes account for up to 49% of work-related fatalities in Australia (NOHSC, 1998), and 13% of the national road toll (Murray, Newnam, Watson, Davey & Schonfeld, 2003). Consequently, there is a growing necessity to implement proactive interventions aimed at reducing crash occurrence and improving driver behaviour whilst maintaining time, cost and resource effectiveness. Based on previous brief intervention techniques used successfully in the health care field, a driving diary concept was developed with aims to reduce engagement in unsafe driving practices. This paper draws together findings from focus group research of government work-related drivers (n = 217) across Queensland metropolitan and regional areas. Results of the study will outline intervention objectives and conceptual characteristics, as well as, investigate issues and difficulties associated with the driving diary program implementation. This paper will further report on the major advantages and barriers associated with fleet safety interventions and propose recommendations directed at improving the implementation of fleet safety interventions, especially, the driving diary program.