Initiation and enhancement of bilateral cooperation between Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (South Africa)
Sponsor
DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
Partners
CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa)
Professorship of Communications Engineering
Duration
1/2011-10/2011
Description
Given its disastrous road safety record, action to reduce the number of traffic accidents in South Africa is urgently needed. However, information, statistics and research related to crashes are limited. This lack of information impacts on the understanding of how and why traffic crashes occur. Although the human factor is cited to impact on approximately 90% of road traffic crashes, researchers and practitioners know very little about driving behaviour in South Africa and the factors that play a role in the circumstances preceding, during or even after a crash took place. In a renewed attempt to understand driver behaviour in Africa, there is an urgent need of a solid research platform from which conclusions can be drawn. These conclusions will allow for the development of strategies and interventions for preventing road traffic crashes on South African roads, as well as developing countries in general. Only a general understanding of driver behaviour in developing countries like South Africa can facilitate the development of sustainable measures in policy, engineering, enforcement and education.
Purpose of this action to reach common ground on possible research projects, and to make first steps towards a fruitful research partnership between the CSIR and CUT.
Contact
People
Dipl.-Inf. Holger Lietz, Prof. Josef Krems, Prof. Gerd Wanielik
