Transport safety

What we do

Person in front of computer screens

Transport safety

Our work aims to improve transport safety across all modes by reducing the probability of fatalities, injuries and crashes resulting from social, environmental and infrastructural challenges.

White car with CSIR logo in front of building

Transport safety

Our work aims to improve transport safety across all modes by reducing the probability of fatalities, injuries and crashes resulting from social, environmental and infrastructural challenges.

Car dashboard

Transport safety

Our work aims to improve transport safety across all modes by reducing the probability of fatalities, injuries and crashes resulting from social, environmental and infrastructural challenges.

Contact information:

Gugu Hlanze
Research Group Leader
@email

Dr Karien Venter
Technical Research Lead 
@email

Lerato Kgoa
Lab Manager
@email

Yoliswa Kula
Business Development Manager
@email

Sipho Dikweni
Commercialisation Manager
@email

Highlights

A laboratory dedicated to better road safety products and policies

A laboratory dedicated to better road safety products and policies

The CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to supporting national efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve transport infrastructure through scientific research, data-driven solutions and advanced technologies. Watch.

Our capabilities

Vuyani Jarana
Human factors

We investigate driver behaviour, decision-making and the impact of cognitive and emotional states.

Nomsa Dlamini
Infrastructure safety

We assess road design, construction and maintenance to identify hazards and recommend improvements.

Fabrizio Dionisio
Vehicle testing

We evaluate safety performance and test new safety technologies.

Thandi Mokoena
Ergonomics

We analyse vehicle interiors to enhance driver comfort and safety.

Sipho Ndlovu
Crash contributory factors

We identify and analyse environmental, human and mechanical elements contributing to road crashes.

Our facilities

The transport safety laboratory plays a vital role in collecting and analysing driver behaviour data and formulating recommendations to improve driver safety.

Camera in car
Drivelab

Drivelab is an instrumented vehicle designed for naturalistic driving studies. Equipped with smart eye-tracking technology, it enables real-time observation of driver interactions with the road and other road users under real-world conditions.

Simulator laboratory
Simulator laboratory

The simulator laboratory is an automatic simulation vehicle used for safe, controlled driver behaviour research. Researchers can test different road designs, signage impact and other road safety interventions before real-world implementation. We can evaluate drivers' reactions under different weather, lighting, traffic and hazardous road conditions.

Simulator laboratory
Value proposition

We conduct extensive research on road safety, focusing on public and freight road transport. Equipped with sensor cameras and advanced data collection tools, our laboratory provides detailed insights into crash risks and human factors. We develop cutting-edge solutions to reduce road accidents. The laboratory emphasises the importance of human factors in road safety, a critical, yet under-researched, area in South Africa.

Work with us

A laboratory dedicated to better road safety products and policies

We are open to partnerships with industry and government entities. The laboratory provides a platform for joint research and development projects and has collaborated with the South African National Roads Agency Limited, Road Traffic Management Corporation, South African Road Federation and the South African Road Traffic Safety Management Association.

Our services

A laboratory dedicated to better road safety products and policies

We provide research, analysis, training and implementation. The laboratory offers end-to-end solutions for transport safety challenges and is accessible to local and international clients.