Postgraduate - UnitFOR5006 - Traffic medicine

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to present the medical issues applicable to road trauma. The topics covered include the law and policing practices, driving skills and the impact of alcohol, other drugs and medical conditions on these skills, the effects of ageing on fitness to drive, interpretation of traffic injuries, the principles of traffic engineering and road trauma epidemiology.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student will be expected to:

1. display an understanding of the history of road trauma and the counter measures introduced to combat the road toll;
2. show familiarity with road safety legislation;
3. evaluate policing practices impacting on road safety;
4. demonstrate an understanding of the effects of a range of medical conditions upon driving skills with particular reference to licensing;
5. evaluate the effects of alcohol and other drugs upon driving skills;
6. display a comprehension of the procedures and practice of investigating vehicle collisions;
7. interpret common injury patterns resulting from road trauma;
8. evaluate blood drug levels with regard to the effects of drugs on driving skills;
9. display an understanding of drug toxicology.

Assessment

Assignments / Essays (80%)
Presentations (10%)
Casebook Workbook (10%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Morris Odell

Off-campus attendance requirements

Compulsory 2 day workshop