People in regional areas have a greater
risk of being in a road accident, the study
found.
Image: iStockphoto
People on rural and remote roads are among those most at risk of being injured or killed over the Easter holidays, QUT researchers have warned.
Research by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q) has found that ignoring basic precautions like wearing seatbelts or driving to the conditions of the road are often to blame for regional crashes.
"We're appealing for drivers in regional and remote areas of Australia to be particularly careful over the Easter period, when roads and families are busier than normal," CARRS-Q acting director Associate Professor Barry Watson said.
"People living outside our major cities are over-represented when it comes to fatality and injury statistics - about 1000 die and 26,000 are injured each year around Australia.
"And although people in these areas often think it's the out-of-towners who have the crashes, research shows that in areas like North Queensland that's not the case - most involve local drivers who use the roads regularly."
CARRS-Q, which is based at QUT in Brisbane, urges motorists to drive safely over Easter and has the following tips for people on regional and city roads:
- Most regional crashes happen between 2pm and 6pm so be particularly vigilant if you have to drive during this time. And avoid driving during times when you'd normally be asleep.
- Random breath tests will be ramped up over Easter so make sure you are below the limit - and that includes the morning after.
- Avoid distractions by turning off mobile phones while driving and pulling over to stop if children need your attention.
- Drive to the conditions. This includes rainy weather, wet roads and traffic jams.
- Wear a seatbelt or helmet when driving or riding.
- If you're on a boring or familiar road take special care because it's easy to switch off.
- Be extra cautious if your front seat passenger falls asleep - tiredness can be catching.
- Be courteous on the road. Remember that we all make mistakes.
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.
|
