Research Roadshow Set to Challenge New Drivers

“Research Roadshow Set to Challenge New Drivers”

The Research Roadshow, complete with a car crash scenario and a host of road safety factors, is set to visit schools throughout Auckland as it works with year 10 students. The Roadshow aims to enhance students’ powers of observation and investigation skills while highlighting the potential hazards associated with driving.

The nationally touring Research Roadshow is made up of two sections. The first section sets the students in small groups the challenge of examining a recreated car crash, complete with a local witness (their own teacher in character as a local farmer and briefed with key details). Road condition, sun angle, car condition, and driver details make up just a few of the major factors the students have to take into account as they suggest contributing causes for the crash.

The second period of the program allows student to focus on the different factors they have identified in the crash scenario using a collection of hands-on exhibits. Feature exhibits include a remote control car with dials to create fatigue or recreate the effects of alcohol on the driver; a variety of vehicles driving around different corners, often with surprising results; fun facts about safety of various car colours, and serious facts about the injury statistics of young drivers on New Zealand roads. However the most popular exhibit of this section is the “Crash Car” – a seat on an inclined railway allowing students to experience the effects of a slow speed crash. The exhibit shows that just a 10Kph crash can produce a stunningly large jolt, and demonstrates the benefit of modern crumple zones in cars. The most incredible fact experienced is that as you double the speed, you actually generate four times the energy in the crash – Or as the saying goes… the faster you go, the bigger the mess!

The Research Roadshow began in 2004 and has been refined and developed over the past two years to become a highly professional interdisciplinary teaching programme and driver safety tool. So much so that the Trust has had several expressions of interest from overseas bodies wishing to copy the successful formulae.

“We aim to provide young people with innovative learning experiences, without the constraints of their normal classroom environment,” says Roadshow Director, Ian Kennedy. “Students involved in the Research Roadshow programme are given the opportunity to actively explore a real world situation and utilise their own investigative skills. Hands-on exhibits and full body experiences are great ways for students, and our country’s future drivers, to learn”.

Operating education programmes is naturally costly. The Research Roadshow wishes to acknowledge the support of ASB Charitable Trust who is assisting us to bring this programme to your community. Sponsorship opportunities are always available to ensure the survival of The Research Roadshow and other Roadshow programmes.

For more information regarding the Research Roadshow and other Roadshow programmes check the website www.roadshow.org

ENDS

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