17.2.7 Compared with a more direct route

This disqualification provision only comes into consideration if the member travelled by a route which is less direct than another availabl — e route.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary includes the following definition of 'direct':

1 extending or moving in a straight line or by the shortest route; not crooked or circuitous.

In making this assessment, it is important to note that a 'more direct ro — ute' should not be based simply on a comparison of geographic distances. Other factors such as the mode of transport used, the time of day, public transport schedules, traffic flows, etc. may make two routes reasonably equivalent even if one is longer tha — n the other in actual kilometres travelled.

Delegates should collect the following information before determining whether or not a member travelled by a route which was less direct than another route:

• the mode(s) of transport actually used on the journ — ey where injury occurred
• a map of the journey actually taken and of alternative routes, using the same mode of transport, and
• factors affecting the choice of possible routes (e.g. avoidance of traffic bottlenecks, road conditions).

The availability of a 'more direct route' must be based only on the mode or modes of transport actually available to, and used by, the member on the day of the injury. It would be inappropriate to base a decision on the mode of transport customarily used by the member or o — n an assumption that the member owns or has access to a motor vehicle.