Welcome to Birdwood High School's Road  Safety Education Site Birdwood Curriculum Development Sponsored by the Motor Accident Commission
Road Safety in Technology Studies Automotive Studies Opportunities exist to analyse and discuss safety in car design, and to look at safety in older cars - both as a design consideration and as an effect of aging. The relative merits of disc/drum brakes, ABS brakes, low profile tyres, "sports" suspension and a whole range of features can be discussed. When assembling, repairing and servicing are being done, a whole range of safety issues will become evident and should be highlighted. Written assignments can provide opportunities to "critique" existing designs. Electronics Projects can be chosen which enhance car safety - there are kits available for speed monitors, breath testers and other safety-related items. See http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_103635/article.html http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_103208/article.html Discussions can also occur around the dangers of excessively loud music systems - drivers are unable to hear sirens, horns and mechanical noise. (There was an article in the Advertiser, 14-09-06 about problems experienced by Ambulance drivers with unaware drivers) Metal Engineering Boys in particular are keen to build buggies and go-karts. Teachers need to highlight the dangers of using these in a dangerous manner, and the provision of rollover protection and other safety features. This can be related back to the road and to risk-taking.