Leading initiatives to safeguard a range of vulnerable road users has propelled Australian Catholic University psychology researcher Dr Joanne Bennett to one of the nation's most prestigious road safety awards.
The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) has recognised Dr Bennett for her commitment to reducing road trauma by presenting her with the Young Leaders Oration Award at its annual conference gala dinner in Perth, Western Australia.
Among the criteria for the award were demonstrating active involvement in road safety, showcasing leadership qualities and making inspiring contributions to the field.
Dr Bennett, a senior lecturer at ACU's School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, has made numerous groundbreaking contributions to protect vulnerable road users.
Her PhD investigated the use of cognitive assessments to determine fitness to drive for individuals with dementia and she headed "The road to safer walking", an online training program to improve hazard perception among older Australians.
The ACU researcher also leads "Deadly safe driving", a co-designed initiative involving Indigenous elders, driving instructors, and youth to reduce fatality rates among young First Nations drivers.
With more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and $2.3 million in competitive funding, Dr Bennett is deeply committed to reducing road trauma through innovative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive initiatives.
In her oration, Dr Bennett said she became a road safety "convert" after identifying how psychology impacts the way individuals share the roads.
"All of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours impact on the decisions we make or don't make when we interact with the road," she said.
"Our sensory perception, our cognitive skills, our mood on a particular day, the music we are listening to, the conversations we are having with others in the car, the lessons we have learned from social norms – all of it, influences our safety. Because ultimately road safety is a human problem."
ACRS President Teresa Williams lauded the achievements made by the nominees.
"Now more than ever, we must be resilient and continue to champion evidence-based approaches, invest in innovation, and support the dedicated professionals who are working tirelessly to reverse these trends and save lives," she said.
