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Motorfest a huge success
Australian National Crash In-Depth Study
NRMA goes on safari
Roads Health Report
Free country Petrol Watch
Road toll up for ACT
Revive and Survive
NRMA rocks
Gold offers
Pass the baton
Helping people
Youth and road trauma forum in April
Around 1000 vintage, veteran and classic cars were on display at NRMA Motorfest 2006, which drew an estimated half a million people into the Sydney CBD.
Many of our Members took advantage of the special offers in the Jan/Feb issue of Open Road and enjoyed light refreshments at our cafe for Members. While the event attracted people of all ages, the Member Services’ stand offered a special treat to our dedicated Gold Members, our most loyal supporters: an exclusive NRMA Gold Member key ring.
“Motorfest provides a fantastic opportunity to meet with a large number of our staunchest supporters in one event,” says Jennifer Docherty, NRMA’s Gold and Gold Life Member Manager. “It was great to meet so many Gold and Gold Life Members and hear about their experiences with NRMA.”
For exclusive offers for Gold and Gold Life Members, turn to pages 46 and 54. To find out more about what we are doing for you visit www.mynrma.com.au/goldmembers.
NRMA Motoring & Services has taken part in a research project intended to better understand the factors that contribute to crash involvement.
The Australian National Crash In-Depth Study (ANCIS) asks vehicle occupants who have been in a motor vehicle crash (must be a passenger vehicle manufactured after 1989) to participate. A medical report, vehicle examination and crash site inspection are then carried out to determine factors such as crash circumstances, causes of injury and vehicle crashworthiness (level of protection your vehicle offers you in a crash). Between 1999 and 2004, 268 cases were recorded.
Multiple impact crashes comprised 20% of cases; vehicle to vehicle impacts comprised around half of all crashes; and impacts with narrow objects, such as trees, poles and posts, comprised 26% of crashes.
Multiple impacts most often involved a rollover, either preceded or followed by an impact with a tree; although more than 30 different combinations were recorded. Multiple impact crashes resulted in a lower crash speed of 39km/h – compared with 44km/h for single impacts – but higher injury levels.
Rollover crashes were twice as common in rural compared with urban environments. The approximate average frontal crash impact speed was 55km/h.
The main contact points for severe injuries in frontal impacts were the instrument panel, the steering assembly and the seat belt; the latter preventing far more severe outcomes when worn. Frontal driver airbags deployed in 41% of cases and passenger airbags in 27% of cases. Side airbags, however, were fitted in just 11 of the 268 cases.
Side impacts made up 22% of all crashes, with more than one-third of these being with narrow, rigid objects like trees and poles. The mean crash speed was around 32km/h. The main contact points for more severe injuries in impact side collisions were the door and centre pillar. Those injured in side impacts when seated on the far side from the impact comprised 5% of the sample, with nearly half being from contact with narrow, rigid objects.
Rear impacts made up 4% of the sample, with an average impact speed of about 52km/h.
Ultimately, the ANCIS study can help provide better occupant protection for future vehicle designs. For example, a crash that occurred on a gentle right-hand curve in May 2004 could possibly have been avoided had the vehicle been fitted with stability control. Other measures that could have been taken to avoid the crash include:
One of the most important things any outback adventurer does before they hit the tracks is ensure that their vehicle is mechanically sound. No one wants a breakdown in the middle of Woop Woop. Imagine, then, how safe you would feel if you had your own road service vehicle on the road with you.
NRMA Motoring & Services is about to go on safari as part of an exciting new travel adventure from the Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA).
Perfect for nomads who love the thrill of life on the open road, The Australian Caravan Safari Trails will offer an extensive range of attractions, events and special functions. The first safari, April 27–May 26, is themed ‘The Outback Discovery Trail’ and will follow a trail through outback NSW and Queensland. Safari 2, August 21–September 15, is themed ‘The Wildflower and Goldfields Trail’, while Safari 3, November 10–December 9, will be held in Victoria and South Australia.
For more details call 1800 228 517 and ask for Sally, or visit www.caravansafari.com.au.
Community dissatisfaction focused on the high price of the toll, the lack of a cash payment option and the disruption to local streets resulting from 71 alterations to the local road network.
NRMA Motoring & Services recently made a submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Cross City Tunnel. While the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference covers a broad range of process related issues, NRMA’s submission addressed those issues most important to motorists, including the level of community consultation undertaken by the RTA, the cost of using the tunnel and the appropriateness of alterations to the road network.
Our submission to the Inquiry urges the Government to show leadership in relation to reviewing the appropriateness of alterations to the local road network. It argues that many of the 71 changes to the local road network were not in the interests of motorists and that they limit the ability of motorists to take viable alternative routes into, and across, Sydney’s CBD and surrounding areas.
In relation to the toll, it encourages the operators of the Cross City Tunnel to reduce it. Independent evidence provided to the Inquiry suggests that the current toll is too high and discourages motorists from using the tunnel. NRMA believes that the toll could be lowered without adversely affecting the profitability of the tunnel.
Other recommendations we made include urging the Government to:
NRMA Motoring & Services has launched a free online country Petrol Watch service. It lists the average price of petrol in most major regional towns by monitoring the cost of petrol at more than 300 service stations in country NSW and Canberra. This allows you to compare costs for a location or, if you are travelling, to fill up in the cheapest region.
In September 2005, NRMA launched an online Sydney metropolitan petrol price comparison service. However, it is slightly different from the country version as it allows you to access the price of petrol at individual service stations rather than for geographic regions.
Both our Petrol Watch services will help you find the best deal on fuel. For country prices visit www.mynrma.com.au/countryprices.asp; for Sydney metro prices visit www.mynrma.com.au/petrolwatch.asp.
The road death toll for the ACT almost tripled in 2005 with 26 fatalities compared to 10 in 2004. However, NSW experienced a lower toll in 2005 with 516 (provisional) fatalities compared to 539 in 2004. In 2000, ACT had 18 fatalities and NSW had 603. Of the 26 fatalities in the ACT, there were eight motorcycle riders, three pedestrians and one bicycle rider. To date, no specific reasons have been given for the dramatic rise in the road death toll for the ACT, though the police and ACT Government are currently completing analysis on the crash data.
Overall, 65% of 2005’s fatalities in NSW were country drivers, despite only 30% of licences belonging to country residents. But Sydney residents shouldn’t rest easy. Fatal crashes in the Sydney metropolitan area are trending upwards with 142 fatal crashes in the year to November 2005 versus 116 in the same period in 2004.
While unsafe roads are partly to blame, too many crashes are caused by driver error. If you feel you need to brush up on your skills consider enrolling in an NRMA driver training refresher course (Sydney and Canberra) or purchase a Safer Driving Video/DVD. Call 1300 696 762.
20% of all crashes on NSW roads. To ensure fatigue is not an issue for you on your next long holiday drive, you can now stop at 93 Driver Reviver sites across NSW.*
A broad range of service clubs and community groups operate the Driver Reviver sites, such as Lions, State Emergency Service (SES), Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), volunteer fire fighters, even the Bell Ringers of Goulburn, and Bushells is the key sponsor. 
The volunteers ensure a safe and friendly place for drivers to refresh and stretch their legs. You can enjoy free refreshments and relax after a long stint behind the wheel. ‘Information’ boards, supplied by NRMA Motoring & Services, also convey important messages such as road conditions to drivers. NRMA, a member of the State Committee of Driver Reviver, decided to provide volunteers with the boards after feedback from them.
The volunteers see the boards as an effective way to communicate to motorists, particularly if they are busy. The boards also provide a means for the volunteer groups to introduce themselves and encourage people to talk and linger for a bit. The volunteers make a very positive contribution to the safety of our roads, and many have a story to tell about fatigued drivers.
NRMA has also distributed copies of our ‘Backseat Science’ game card to all sites. It has fun activities for kids and educates them in an entertaining way about car safety. It’s perfect for long trips, so watch out for them this Easter.
*Most sites operate during school and public holidays, and up to 80 operate at any one time. Hours of operation depend on the needs of the local community and the number of cars on the road.
As part of NRMA Motoring & Services' focus on supporting initiatives that involve local communities, we are backing the 2006 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge (REC).
The REC is a national dance, drama and design competition. The event gives secondary students, teachers, parents and their local communities an opportunity to get involved.
As part of our involvement, NRMA is offering schools a chance to win $5000 worth of equipment and resources for their school if their performance relates to road safety issues.
The competition runs this year from May to September with heats across NSW and the ACT including Sydney, Albury, Bathurst, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Armidale, Broken Hill and Dubbo.
For more details on the REC visit www.rockchallenge.com.au.
NRMA Motoring & Services is pleased to announce new exclusive offers for Gold and Gold Life Members.
Our longstanding Members will be able to access the best rates available* for subscriptions to two magazines: limelight and Regional Food Australia.
limelight magazine is for lovers of art and music. It covers what’s what and who’s who in Australian arts and music, and provides the only comprehensive guide to what’s on ABC TV and radio. Gold and Gold Life Members save $58.80 on a two-year (24 issues) subscription, and $24.90 on a one-year subscription. Call 1300 309 867 and quote LLNR06 to redeem this offer.
Regional Food Australia focuses on the gourmet delights of a different region each issue. Gold and Gold Life Members save $18.60 on a two-year (8 issues) subscription and $6.80 on a one-year subscription. Call 1300 309 617 and quote LOY/R0306 to redeem this offer.
For more information on how to redeem these offers visit www.mynrma.com.au/gold_exclusives.asp.
*Relevant code must be quoted at the time of purchase. Subscriptions valid for Australian residents only and commence with the next available issue. This offer expires June 30, 2006.
Retired NRMA patro
lmen, Ron White and Ron Wilton, recently took part in Tourism Australia’s Queen’s Baton Relay to encourage Aussies to holiday in this great sunburnt country of ours. Ron White (pictured right in the ‘Queen’s Baton Relay’ campervan) drove the ‘relay’ team from Sydney to Port Macquarie, while representatives ran with the baton and spoke at official events.
“Holidays are vital for maintaining your work/life balance, and by taking a holiday in Australia you are boosting the economy as well,” says Tourism Australia’s Jodie Anstee.
With Easter almost here, most of us don’t need an excuse to get away for a few days to savour the last vestiges of summer. Happy (and safe) holidays!
NRMA Motoring & Services has extended a helping hand to those selfless volunteer firefighters who lost private vehicles in the recent bushfires on the Central Coast.
The firefighters will receive a free vehicle inspection on their replacement vehicle, and any subsequent inspections at a substantially reduced price. Also, if the firefighters purchase a vehicle through our local Approved Dealer on the Central Coast, Central Coast Auto Barn, they will receive $500 worth of free fuel. They also get free Classic Care membership if the vehicle isn’t already covered.
It’s our way of showing how much we appreciate and respect the work that volunteer firefighters do. Thank you!
The latest initiative is a Youth and Road Trauma Forum, which is to be held this April in partnership with Westmead Hospital, which is one of the largest Trauma Centres in Australia. The first week of April (3–7) is Youth Week and Trauma Week, and the Youth and Road Trauma Forum will be held April 3–4 in the SuperDome at Sydney Olympic Park. It will involve approximately 5000 Year 10, 11 and 12 students across NSW as the audience, with 3500 students having already signed up.
The Forum will include a crash re-enactment by emergency service groups, a demonstration of stopping distances and a range of interactive exhibits that relate to youth motoring and trauma and safety. Exhibitors include Westmead Hospital’s Emergency Department, Rehabilitation Unit and Trauma Surgeons; NRMA CareFlight; NSW Police; and NSW Fire Brigade.
