SCIENCE JOURNAL 2018

E very K O ver is a K iller Jenna Goldie

cause accidents, a vast majority are speeding- induced. ‘The risks of involvement in a casualty double with each 5km/hr increase in speed above 60km/h’, further justifying that ‘a 5km/h reduction in speed can lead to at least 15% decrease in crashes’ (TAC Campaign, 2013). The data in [Appendix 1] authenticates that almost half (48.5%) of the average fatalities from 2010-2015 occurred when cars were travelling in the fastest speed category provided (100-110km/h). Similar patterns are evident throughout the table, an abundance of deaths located in faster factions, indicating that higher speeds means increased danger. Reasons that speed so prominently impacts road statistics include: inertia, reaction time/braking distance, deceleration/impact speed, and energy. Inertia Inertia correlates with speed, particularly during crashes. When cars brake steadily, forces work to eventually bring them to a stop. These forces also act on passengers, gradually slowing their movement. However, if cars were to brake unexpectedly/ abruptly, insufficient time is allocated for this counteracting force to function. Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force (TeacherTech, 2015), meaning that the passenger will continue at the same speed until a force (i.e.: seatbelt/windshield) stops them. Although higher speeds do not directly imply more inertia (inertia relies solely on mass), slower speeds are effective in reducing damage, with less force required to slow the person. Overall, inertia is significant in explaining the movement of passengers during a collision, and how speed does not directly affect this, but certainly decreases the severity of a crash, thus relating to the claim that ‘every K over is a killer’.

Abstract This research essay explores the effect that speed has on Australia’s road statistics. By ex- pounding on concepts including speed, reaction time and braking distance, inertia, deceleration and impact speed, as well as energy, the claim stating, “Every K over is a Killer” is justified correct, as speed is one of the major contribut- ing factors to the number of road accidents each year. Two factors, environmental and technolog- ical, are also analysed, going into detail regard- ing the physics behind both facets and how they also relate to road safety. “Why is speed such a significant factor in our road statistics?” Introduction In 2001, the movement, ‘Every K over is a Killer’; run by Queensland Transport to raise awareness about speeding was established. The campaign was supported by the physics behind ‘why [speed is] such a significant factor to our road statistics,’ analysing the information behind road accidents. Speed limits play a major role in the safety of our roads; however those who defy these parameters put themselves, and others in increased levels of danger. This research essay determines exactly how much danger speeders are causing. Physical Concepts & Evidence Speed & Speeding Speed significantly contributes to Australia’s road statistics. Although other factors can

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Somerset College Journal of Scientific Issues

Year 10