The CIHT/ATKINS Road Safety Award 2007 

Entry submitted by
W. J. Ward CEng, FICE, FI Struct E, FRTPI, FCIHT
54, Gabalfa Road
Sketty
Swansea SA2 8NE

.TRAVEL SICKNESS

Travel sickness for an occupant when travelling in a vehicle can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable.  It is quite common amongst adults but more particularly for children.  When it happens on a journey it can lead to the driver bringing the vehicle to an early stop so that comfort and help can be given to the sufferer.  It can be particularly awkward for the driver to stop on a busy road and find a convenient parking place and there can be a distraction to the vehicle driver in such situations and road safety aspects can arise. 

When I travel as a passenger in a car (or bus) when travelling on twisty country roads on long journeys, I often feel very travel sick often having to ask for the vehicle to stop for me to have a break and recover somewhat. 

This problem really became more serious when our only daughter Sarah (now 45) was a passenger in a car (or other motor vehicle) from a baby stage she suffered dreadfully with travel sickness.  Transport stops were necessary and journey times became long and troublesome for her and us.  This has persisted as Sarah entered adulthood and she is still affected when a passenger but not when driving.   

However, it was not for some time that I realised neither I nor Sarah experience travel sickness when driving the vehicle AND I have heard others who I have known who experience travel sickness do so only if not driving the vehicle. 

I have determined from experience that to the best of my knowledge, travel sickness is not experienced when driving the vehicle. Sarah and I continue to do so when we are passengers and not driving a vehicle in twisty type roads of all kinds. 

Travel sickness is not evident when a passenger or mainly straight roads such as motorways and Trunk roads.   

CONCLUSION

Therefore:

If a vehicle passenger, such as a child could take hold of a simple simulated steering wheel fixed either in a temporary or permanent way in front of the relevant passenger seat and emulate and figuratively steer and drive the vehicle.  Travel sickness would not occur.    

I have proved conclusively that Travel Sickness does not affect a driver who holds the steering wheel and movement and balance and any absence of swaying follows the strategy of vehicle control. 

I therefore recommend early consideration be given by appropriate body to producing suitable trial units and testing for general sale/issue to parents and other sufferers.  

 W. J. Ward 

24 January, 2007