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| Boylan Traffic Solutions News |
February 2009
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In this issue:
- Late-model cars more dangerous in a bushfire scenario
- Keeping kids safe with solar-powered technology
- Intersections to test your nerve!
- Council car-pooling initiative
Take a Virtual Tour of our product range!
Victorian bushfire tragedy offers lessons to us all
As we all struggle to cope with the enormity of Victoria's bushfire tragedy, it's timely to note the recommendations made following a study last year by the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre (see story below). It had some salient advice for motorists travelling in bushfire-prone areas - most importantly, to keep a woollen blanket in the car at all times.
It seems modern cars offer much less protection to motorists in the case of a fire scenario.
However, by sheltering under a blanket, below the window line of the car, you give yourself a greater chance of survival.
These fires and their tragic consequences will live in the hearts and minds of all Australians for many years to come.
We join with the staff of Boylan Traffic Solutions to offer our heartfelt sympathies to those affected.
Best wishes
Peter Boylan
Neil Crompton
BTS TEAM SAFETY
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Late-model cars more dangerous in a fire scenario
Fire council highlights safety measures for drivers and passengers
Above: A burnt-out vehicle from Victoria's recent bushfire tragedy
Modern cars offer far less protection in a bushfire than their heavy metal predecessors, research shows.
News Ltd's www.news.com.au website reports that a study undertaken by the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre (BCRC), in conjunction with CSIRO scientists, has highlighted the danger modern cars present in a fire scenario.
The Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC), the peak body for the fire and emergency services, has used the research to advise drivers of what to do if they are caught in a bushfire.
The AFAC said that if trapped, drivers should remain in their cars.
"Research shows you should park in an open area, turn off the engine and air-conditioning and get as low to the ground as possible," AFAC chief executive officer Naomi Brown said.
"They (cars) can be a fire trap but there are some things that can be done in this worst case scenario."
Ms Brown advised all motorists to carry a woollen blanket that can be used to cover passengers.
"New car designs have made a bad situation worse," she said.
"Today's cars are more dangerous because there is much more plastic and glass," she said.
"The plastic goes (burns) very quickly and the glass, too.
"Before, car door handles, bumper bars and other parts were metal - the change in design has made it more dangerous."
The study, done in January last year at the NSW Rural Fire Service Hot Fire Training Facility, used seven two-wheel-drive sedans, ranging in size, age and make.
Lead researcher Justin Leonard, from the CSIRO's Sustainable Ecosystems, described the testing as "unique", saying the last similar tests were in the 1960s.
In the simulated test, temperatures inside the cars surged to around 300C.
"Sheltering below the window line is the best strategy as the heat passes through the windows," Mr Leonard said.
"Being underneath a woollen blanket down low keeps temperatures around 40 to 50 degrees and the blanket is also difficult to ignite," he said.
Mr Leonard said smoke and toxic gases from melting components inside cars were often more significant than the heat.
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Keeping kids safe with solar-powered technology
BTS role in new council safety initiative
Above: Mosman Council is using VMS technology to slow drivers around schools
Variable message sign (VMS) technology is being used to great effect in a
road safety initiative targeting local streets and school zones in the Mosman Council area.
Council's road safety officer Rebecca Thomas said the solar-powered technology, supplied by Boylan Traffic Solutions, was part of a multi-pronged approach to reminding motorists of safe driving practices in local streets.
``Our `Slow Down in Our Street' campaigns have been particularly effective in reducing speeds in 50 km/h local street zones,'' Mrs Thomas said.
``Council has now started a school operation where each school is targeted with a blitz involving council rangers and police,'' she said.
``We have set up a variable message sign board with a variety of cautionary messages - most importantly, it flashes the speed drivers are travelling at, and reminds them of the school zone times and to slow down.
``It's a very effective tool - especially when used in conjunction with education and enforcement,'' she said.
Mrs Thomas said while such road safety operations were sometimes unpopular, the most important consideration was to ``slow drivers down, protect pedestrians - especially children - and avoid a tragedy''.
Mosman Council has used VMS technology over a period of two years in a number of other road safety initiatives.
Boylan Traffic Solutions managing director Peter Boylan said he and motorsport television commentator Neil Crompton were committed to promoting the safety message through the company's Team Safety initiative.
``It's why we are so thrilled to see our equipment being used to such good effect in the Mosman Council area,'' he said.
Details: Boylan Traffic Solutions 1800 300 200
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Intersections to test your nerve!!
In China:
And Great Britain:
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Car pooling initiative
Council takes the lead
 Sydney's Manly Council has launched a new on-line service to promote car pooling.
Mayor Peter Macdonald said the service offered a step towards reducing green-house gas emissions and helping commuters beat the soaring cost of petrol.
The website links visitors with the various car-pooling schemes that service the Manly area.
It also provides motorists with links to other useful information including sustainable transport tips and data on fuel costs.
``Car-pooling benefits you and the community by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality,'' Dr Macdonald said.
``It also reduces commuter stress, motoring costs, traffic congestion and it saves time by letting vehicles use the T3 Lane when three or more people share the car," he said.
Dr Macdonald said car pooling enhanced the community by increasing social interaction.
He said that benefits for companies that arranged car pooling included maximising use of employee parking; encouraging social interaction between employees; and promoting an environmentally-friendly business image.
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Cool cats take to the road
Living in a country where feral cats are seen as an environmental menace, it's hard to fathom this road safety initiative from the UK.
Pet food company Pro Plan has unveiled a plan to help reduce feline fatalities and injuries from road traffic accidents.
It is sponsoring specially-designed road signs that warn drivers there are cats in the area and to drive more slowly.
The scheme is being trialed in the Cheshire town of Warrington with a view to a national roll-out, if successful.
Pro Plan spokeswoman Claire Parry-Baggott said: ``There's always been a history of road signs for horses, farm animals and even hedgehogs - so why not have one for cats?''
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