Funding is now available to support a safer road system and drive down road trauma, with applications open under Round 2 of the $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program will provide grants to fund innovative research and technology development, supporting the Australian Government's road safety agenda.
"Improving safety on our roads is critically important - even one death or serious injury on our roads is one too many, and last year 1,106 Australians lost their life to road crashes," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Government is serious about driving down death and serious injury on our roads and we are committed to achieving Vision Zero - zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050.
"The Road Safety Innovation Fund is just one example of a suite of Australian Government programs driving improvements to road safety across the nation.
"Those programs include $4 million for the Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund, $2 billion Road Safety Program, $8 million Driver Reviver Site Upgrades Program and $5.5 million for a Road Safety Data Hub.
"We're upgrading roads and developing the knowledge and expertise to improve road safety even further."
The Road Safety Innovation Fund will target innovative projects designed to further reduce deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads and help create a safe and sustainable road transport system.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz urged any organisations with an interest in road safety research and technology development to apply for funding to make a difference to the lives of all Australians.
"With $10 million available over the next three years, potential projects can include new technologies and delivery techniques, road safety management initiatives or research to develop policy and improve road safety outcomes," Assistant Minister Buchholz said.
"Eligible areas could include regional and remote road safety, vehicle safety, vulnerable road users and risky road use.
"Under Round 1 of the program, 13 projects totalling $2 million were funded, ranging from crash prediction models, improving night visibility of signs and boosting heavy vehicle safety by trialling automated inspection capabilities."
This fund complements other road safety initiatives, including the $4 million Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund, which is helping to deliver targeted educational campaigns to reduce risky behaviour and increase road safety awareness, installing life-saving speed signage and collaborating with the community on decreasing road trauma.
