Make a difference during Queensland Road Safety Week

Image supplied: QRSW

Monday, 15th August 2022   

Queensland Road Safety Week runs from August 16-20, 2022 and is an important week, because road safety doesn’t solely fall on the shoulders of the Queensland state government. We all play a role. This is the 8th year the initiative has been run in an attempt to get safer roads for all. And this year, we’re being asked to ‘go yellow’ to show support.

To raise awareness, there are some simple things Queenslanders can do to participate in road safety week.

Wear Yellow!

If everyone wears yellow, it’s going to start conversations within workplaces and on the streets. When you’re asked why your entire team is dressed in yellow, you’ll be able to spread awareness of Queensland’s Road Safety Week (QRSW). Don’t forget to get photos and share to your social media platforms with the hashtag. @StreetSmartsQLD #QRSW2022

Practice Deep Breathing, Smiling and Waving

Driving in Queensland can certainly raise your blood pressure. It’s tempting to yell expletives and raise a fist out of your window, but it’s better if you can take a few deep breaths (inhale for four seconds, hold for two seconds and then exhale for four seconds), you’ll find this will slow your heart rate and decrease your BP. Instead of becoming abusive, if someone takes too long at a giveway sign or cuts you off, try to let it go. Smile and wave instead. In fact, studies by MotorMood discovered people were less likely to experience road rage if the car in front of them has a happy emoticon sticker or a stick family on the back of their vehicle.

Share the road

This sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many people on a ‘Sunday drive’ hug the inside lane. The inside lane is known as the fast lane, so typically on a road with two lanes, it’s common courtesy to stay to the left, keeping the right-hand lane free for vehicles who want to overtake. It seems not everyone knows this road rule and therefore increases the erratic driving of lane-changers, trying to get ahead.

Mind the gap

The three-second rule is how you can work out if you’re leaving a safe gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. Always drive at least three seconds from the vehicle in front of you, and leave even more space in poor conditions such as sun strikes or rain.

Report big potholes and damaged road surfaces.

If you’re driving on country roads and encounter big potholes or damage road surfaces, be sure to report it to the local council. They may not be aware of it, and alerting them to the hazard may be the difference between a blown tyre and a fatal accident.

However, as business owners, Global Road Technology believes the decision-makers in the civil and mining infrastructure industries can go beyond the basic recommendations.
“Leaders in the position of power, those in charge of project management, dust suppression and road safety projects, have the capacity to influence purchasing decisions. Global Road Technology has invested millions of dollars into formulating products that ensure your roading infrastructure projects meet dust suppression requirements. There are even products designed to create longer lasting and safer roads, which in the long term saves on water resources, funding and helps projects to remain within budget,” said GRT’s Managing Director, Troy Adams.

Author – Troy Adams, Global Road Technology