Staying safe on the roads during the holidays
Every year, the road toll statistics cause grief and shock across the country, and there seems to be a spike in fatalities during the holiday season. The statistics for Queensland road crashes have remained relatively stable in the past four years; however, in our local Sunshine Coast area during the holidays drivers need to remain attentive and careful.
The ‘big three’ identified as major causes of road accidents are excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and fatigue.
What can we do to reduce our accident risk?
1. Slow down
More cars on the roads over the holiday season increases congestion at key points, so reduce the temptation to speed by allowing extra time for your journeys.
Be aware that road works, hazards and special events can impact your journey so remember to take these into consideration when estimating your travel time. You can obtain up-to-date information on traffic impacts in your area by visiting the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website. Queenslanders can also check road conditions via the RACQ Website. If driving interstate, consult the relevant state transport department and state automobile association for traffic impacts and road conditions.
Adhere to speed limits, especially when travelling through roadworks, where lanes tend to be narrower, reducing margins for error.
Drive to suit weather conditions – slow down in heavy rain, fog, smoke, or at dusk or sunrise, when visibility is reduced.
2. If you drink, don’t drive, or if you plan to drive, don’t drink
The percentage of alcohol-related fatalities in Queensland has been gradually increasing since 2010, despite public education campaigns and frequent publicity about the dangers of drink driving.
Having any amount of alcohol when driving increases your risk of being involved in a crash.
If you are going away from home for your Sunshine Coast Christmas and New Year celebrations, either designate a driver who will not drink alcohol, or plan to stay over.
If you are the host, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, and plenty of food. Offer your guests a bed for the night to discourage them from driving drunk.
3. Take a break
Statistics show that driving between 10pm and dawn increases your chance of being involved in a fatal, fatigue-related crash.
Driving longer distances than you are used to, and on unfamiliar roads, also increases your risk of accident. So, in your journey plan, allow time for frequent breaks, and changes of driver.
Use the Driver Reviver locations – check the Driver Reviver website for details – and designated rest areas – check state transport departments for locations.
Avoid starting a long journey after a day’s work, and avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping. If you feel sleepy, pull over and have a sleep – fighting tiredness doesn’t help; sleep is the only cure.
Be prepared
Equip your vehicle with a first aid kit, and make sure your CPR and first aid certifications are up-to-date.
Allens Training delivers Provide CPR and Provide First Aid courses regularly at our Birtinya training centre and at premises across the Sunshine Coast in Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosa.
You can view our calendar of scheduled courses and book online via our secure website at https://www.allensfirstaid.com.au/ or phone 07 5438 8888 for more information and telephone bookings.
Allens Training Sunshine Coast training centre in Birtinya (Kawana) includes a retail outlet that sells a variety of first aid kits and first aid supplies for home and office, and we can ship these anywhere in Australia, and more locally including, Caloundra, Noosa, Coolum, Mooloolaba, Maleny, Caboolture or anywhere across the Sunshine Coast.