معرفی
Dr Hayley McDonald is a Research Fellow at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Monash University, where she conducts impactful research in road safety and driver behaviour. She holds a PhD in driver behaviour and is actively contributing to the development of evidence-based strategies that enhance the safety of all road users.
Research Interests: Her research focuses on understanding driver behaviour, particularly through the use of administrative data and online questionnaires. She has expertise in qualitative research methods, including interview analysis, and applies these to explore issues such as illegal smartphone use while driving, driver aggression, and the safety of vulnerable road users like novice and pregnant drivers. Her work spans both behavioural and organizational aspects of road safety, including safety culture in commercial and gig economy transport sectors.
Research Trends: Her recent publications (2024–2025) reveal a strong focus on real-world driving behaviours using naturalistic data, public perceptions of emerging transportation modes (e.g., rideshare), and the evaluation of safety interventions. These studies are published in leading journals such as Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour and Journal of Safety Research, reflecting her contributions to transportation psychology and public health.
Scientific Engagement: Hayley is actively involved in the academic and professional community. She has presented her work at international and national conferences and contributes to public discourse through media engagement. Notable press coverage includes research on parents texting while driving and the safety of ACT’s light rail network.
Advising and Grants: She is accepting PhD students and plays a key role as a Chief Investigator on multiple competitive research projects, including:
- National Road Safety Partnership Program initiatives
- Baseline Road Safety Research Program projects on Driver Aggression and Road Rule 79A
- The Novice Driver Project
- Development of NORTISS (National Occupational Road Transport Injury Surveillance System)
Labs and Teams: Hayley is embedded in the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), a world-leading research centre in injury prevention and road safety. She collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary teams and contributes to MUARC’s mission through research, service, and policy impact. She also serves on the Monash University Early Career Academic Committee and is a member of the Australasian College of Road Safety’s Early Career Network.
