Every year, the researchers at CARRS-Q – the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety in Queensland – based at QUT - conduct new research to build on their impressive knowledge base of information about safe driving and riding practices.
Whether you’re about to return from holidays, or just driving here-and-there around where you live, lead researcher Dr Judy Fleiter and her research team have put together their top 10 tips to help keep all road users safe.
1. Focus on the road not your mobile phone - even talking on a hands-free mobile is distracting.
2. Buckle up your kids on every trip and remember kids under seven need the right-sized child restraint.
3. Take rest breaks during long drives - and take a nap, not a walk, because your brain is more alert after a nap.
4. Observe the speed limit - the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop - and if the weather is bad, reduce your speed.
5. Had a big night? Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) could still be up next morning. A woman drinking the same amount as a man will almost always have a higher BAC level.
6. The dangers of drink-driving are well known but don't let your friends drink-walk either. Two Australians a week are killed drink-walking.
7. Slow down near railway crossings and be alert for signals and signs. Remember, many railway level crossings, especially in rural areas, don't have boom gates.
8. If you're thinking of buying your P-plater child a car, think again. They tend to drive more safely when they're behind the wheel of your car.
9. Cycling is great for your health but you must wear a helmet - your brain is not irreplaceable. Research shows bicycle-wearing helmet rates are halving the number of head injuries to Queensland cyclists.
10. Dress right for whatever you ride. For motor cyclists that means a helmet, jacket, gloves and protective footwear - even in our hot summer.
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