Thirteen projects aimed at reducing road fatalities will share in $2 million over the next four years through Round 1 of the Australian Government's Road Safety Innovation Fund.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to reducing road injuries and fatalities and this is just one of many targeted initiatives.
"Finding innovative ways to make safety front of mind for all road users is key to supporting the Safe System principles - an inclusive approach to road safety that underpins the National Road Safety Strategy that has been agreed by all Governments," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The Road Safety Innovation Fund will fund research projects ranging from protecting vulnerable users including pedestrians, cyclists and children, through to crash prediction models, improving night visibility of signs, boosting heavy vehicle safety by trialling automated inspection capabilities and driver decline sensitivity testing.
"The Fund is one of the many ways the Australian Government is investing in road safety to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads."
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the Road Safety Innovation Fund proved very popular among applicants with more funding available for road safety projects later this year.
"In Round 1 there were 104 applications for grant funding, which is fantastic news because it demonstrates strong community interest in this important road safety initiative," Mr Buchholz said.
"This Fund complements our other road safety initiatives, include 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."
These projects further complement the Government's recent $500 million commitment for a Targeted Road Safety package to help keep Australians safe as the nation's drivers emerge from COVID-19 restrictions.
