CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory: Pioneering the future of road safety

“The impact of the CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory extends well beyond its research capabilities through strategic partnerships and successful projects.” Lerato Kgoa

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has a long-standing reputation for leading scientific innovation and technological advancement in South Africa. Among its numerous pioneering initiatives, the establishment of a CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory (TSL) stands out as a significant endeavour to enhance transport safety not only in South Africa but across Africa. The TSL leverages world-class equipment to conduct road safety and transport research, aiming to improve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on South African roads. It addresses critical issues such as human behaviour, environmental impact, and the economic costs of road accidents.

At the core of the CSIR TSL are its multidisciplinary research capabilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensor cameras and sophisticated data collection tools, the laboratory delves into the intricacies of crash risks and human factors. This insight is vital for developing strategies that mitigate accidents, particularly in public and freight road transport. By focusing on the often-overlooked human factors, the laboratory fills a significant research gap, providing pioneering solutions that prioritise the behaviours and decision-making processes of road users. Through advanced data collection and modelling tools, the laboratory is poised to offer innovative crash risk prevention solutions that can significantly reduce road carnage in South Africa and beyond. This research supports national goals and objectives to enhance transport safety.

The laboratory’s approach extends beyond research; it focuses on translating research into tangible actions. Emphasising human factors in road safety, the laboratory develops innovative solutions targeting the root causes of road accidents. This proactive stance aligns with South Africa’s national objectives of becoming a global leader in safe, reliable, effective, and efficient transport solutions. The CSIR TSL supports the National Road Safety Strategy 2030 and beyond, enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure and contributing to a safer and more sustainable future.

The laboratory’s participation in crash test events to evaluate the effectiveness of road restraint systems further underscores its commitment to protecting vulnerable road users and developing better safety interventions

Driving the success of the CSIR TSL is a team of highly skilled researchers and technical assistants, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. The team collectively has capabilities in research design, development, and coordination. With broad experience in traffic engineering, psychology, traffic management, road safety, transport infrastructure, and the development of data analytics tools, the team is well-equipped to handle complex transport safety challenges. Dr Karien Venter has been instrumental in founding and leading research for the TSL and continues to play a significant role in the lab’s research initiatives. The CSIR Smart Mobility Cluster further enhances the TSL's capabilities by providing a robust support structure encompassing transport infrastructure engineering, sustainable passenger transport, smart logistics management, and advanced material testing laboratories. This cluster is dedicated to improving transport network operations, sustainable infrastructure management, and developing innovative solutions for transport safety and efficiency.

The CSIR Smart Mobility cluster is open to partnerships with industry and government entities, offering a platform for joint research and development projects. The laboratory’s team of experienced researchers and technical assistants supports a wide range of transport safety initiatives, providing robust and comprehensive services from research and analysis to training and implementation. Initially focused on road-based transport safety, the laboratory aims to expand its research to include other transport modes such as rail, maritime and aviation in the future.

The impact of the CSIR TSL extends well beyond its research capabilities through strategic partnerships and successful projects. Notable collaborations include the fluorescent yellow signage study, where the CSIR Smart Mobility team conducted a pilot study with national government entities such as the (Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) and the South African Road Traffic Safety Management Association (SARTSMA) to improve road safety by enhancing the visibility of hazardous locations. This study, aligning with the Safe System approach, exemplifies the laboratory’s commitment to creating safer road environments.

The CSIR TSL offers several unique advantages that set it apart. The laboratory features advanced tools for data collection and analysis, including sensor cameras and the Noldus Smart Eye system, providing unparalleled insights into transport safety.

Conveniently located at the CSIR premises, the TSL is easily accessible to local and international clients. The laboratory prides itself on delivering rapid and accurate results, ensuring the timely completion of projects and the prompt implementation of findings. Additionally, the laboratory offers competitive and flexible pricing models, making its high-quality services accessible to a wide range of stakeholders.

Engaging with the CSIR TSL means partnering with a facility dedicated to achieving excellence in transport safety. With unmatched expertise, innovative solutions and a steadfast commitment to national and global standards, the laboratory positioned as a leader in the road safety space. By addressing complex transport safety issues through innovative research and technology, the CSIR TSL is driving safety forward, one innovation at a time.

About the author

Lerato Kgoa is a civil engineer with extensive experience in the consulting engineering sector. Currently, she holds the position of senior researcher and Transport Safety Laboratory Manager at the CSIR Smart Mobility cluster. She is passionate about sustainable design and the development of physical infrastructure, focusing on transportation systems, urban development, and essential civil services to enhance people's quality of life. Her expertise lies in traffic engineering and transport planning, supported by a multidisciplinary background.

Contact details: Lerato Kgoa

Email: [email protected]