The Speeding Research Debacle - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Aussie Pete · 04-06-2003, 23:25

How many times have we seen the RTA and other self interest groups quote a report by University of Adelaide on the equivalency between blood alcohol and small incremental speeding.

Well, without considering the 'black and white line' issues, you can let yourself be exhilarated by reading the report at:

http://raru.adelaide.edu.au/speed/contents.html

In the report you will see gems in research practice such as drawing conclusions made by a sample of FOUR cars comparing to ONE crash car, and in an amazing stretch of the imagination the link between speed and alcohol being made between information from 1979 versus 1997 (have cars and roads changed since then I ask?). That's after a quick scan of some sections in around five minutes - what else is there??????

I have of course sent an email to the Professor of the accident research department of UofA to see what he has to say about the RTA etc claims.

XWGT · 04-06-2003, 23:30

There was a letter to the editor in either Wheels or Motor last month, by someone who was involved with that study. They pointed out all of the errors, and the errors the RTA have made when interpreting it. I will find the original and post it.
Bascially, even the author of the report now admits its a total crock.

Aussie Pete · 04-06-2003, 23:31

I was looking for that letter you talk about and couldn't find it. Help in obtaining a reference would be muchly appreciated!

HO HO HO! · 04-07-2003, 19:14

It might have been in the Drive lift out in the AGE

Aussie Pete · 04-07-2003, 22:07

Anyone have this letter?????? I'm dieing here!

Rollin · 04-08-2003, 01:57

i vote aussie pete for PM!!!!!

dave_au · 04-08-2003, 02:25

Its a uni = Its an arts student's honour year!

Jesus I get sick of this - just because its by a university, motor organisations and "services" quote it as fact. Sounds like a bleeding heart came up with this one.

Ask any uni student, myself included what they think about research projects like this, and they can tell you it was done in the shortest amount of time with the smallest statistical information available.

mongrelEB · 04-08-2003, 02:43

Just like a lot of Government "research" in fact...

HO HO HO! · 04-08-2003, 05:52

The report seemes to be quite thouroughly and proffesionally made.

HOWEVER, there are lots of things I'm unhappy about with it. I let it stew all afternoon and wrote it down. I'll post it up tomorrow for comments/opinions

rally · 04-08-2003, 16:19

While being an American study, the article at the link below makes for some interesting reading on this topic. The underlying principals upon which it is founded are essentially the same for Australia.

http://www.hwysafety.com/hwy_montana_2001.htm