The Road Safety Research Collaboration (RSRC) was established in 2018 as a strategic partnership between the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) to undertake high level, applied research that positively impacts upon the lives and safety of Queensland's road users and community.
Comprised of a team of over 20 research academics, HDR scholars and casual research officers, we are fast becoming the leading road safety research centre in Queensland producing world-class research outputs, with a focus on impaired driving.
![Man driving a car](/media/2tklstfu/man-driving_.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=80&rnd=133234507030370000)
Research focus
Our research program occurs across five closely interlinked themes that map back to the priorities and objectives outlined in the Queensland Road Safety Strategy 2022-31 and ensures we are advancing positive road safety outcomes with a focus on addressing the problem of impaired driving from multiple perspectives.
![person driving with bottle in hand](/media/ozzjoea0/adobestock_288260648.jpeg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=80&rnd=133543856797600000)
Substance use and self regulation
Exploring how specific populations (e.g., substance users) may be at an increased risk on the road, because of their reduced ability to regulate thinking and emotions.
Contact: Professor Kerry Armstrong
![Green go symbol on pedestrian crossing](/media/19150576/pexels-jeshootscom-442584.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=80&rnd=133234507029470000)
Road safety data and technology
Focused on the development of safety-enhancing technologies applied to impaired driving performance.
Contact: Associate Professor Gregoire Larue
![person looking at phone while driving](/media/ntxduvgf/adobestock_141431637.jpeg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=80&rnd=133543856595270000)
Rule compliance and behaviour change
Examining factors that contribute to road rule violations and identifying how to change these behaviours to maximise rule compliance.
Contact: Dr Verity Truelove
![Survive the drive dirt road](/media/19150571/gettyimages-73985611.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=80&rnd=133234507029230000)
Collaboration with stakeholders and regional communities
Focused on building connections that facilitate the advancement of road safety and research across Queensland.
Contact: Dr Bevan Rowland
![mature drivers in car](/media/qypgoyez/adobestock_635691227.jpeg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=80&rnd=133543856328630000)
Neurocognition and fitness to drive
Assessing the relationship between neuropsychology/neurocognition and driving capacity across different populations and settings.
Contact: Dr Kayla Stefanidis
News
![Dr Verity Truelove](/media/zpfbdugt/dr-verity-truelove-maic_unisc-road-safety-research-collaboration-1800x1000.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=102&rnd=133693983601130000)
Research to understand the psychology of speeding
29 AugA University of the Sunshine Coast study will seek to understand the split-second ‘mental shortcuts’ the brain makes that influence a person to speed, and what might deter them.
![person putting on seat belt in a car](/media/okjj3grw/adobestock_94635724-1800x1000.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=120&height=102&rnd=133692381945570000)
UniSC hosts Seniors Road Safety Forum at Queensland Road Safety Week launch
27 AugMore than 200 Sunshine Coast seniors have brushed up on their driving knowledge and skills at a free Seniors Road Safety Forum hosted by the University of the Sunshine Coast this morning.
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UniSC developing cognitive safety test for older drivers
5 Oct 2023University of the Sunshine Coast researchers at the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration are developing an online screening tool to identify older people who may no longer be cognitively safe to drive.
For more information, phone Tel:+61 7 5459 4818, email RSRC@usc.edu.au or contact the RSRC team.