The Fatal 5
The Fatal 5 (speeding, mobile phone distraction, drink driving, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt) also contributed to over one third of serious crashes* where people were seriously injured or lost their life, from 2014 to 2018.
So, let’s kick those bad driving habits, and make our roads a safer place for everyone.
Tailgating is dangerous
It’s time to keep up the social distancing on the roads. Tailgating (or driving too closely to the vehicle in front) contributed to nearly 2,000 serious crashes* from 2014 to 2018.
Wherever you’re heading, it’s important to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front.
There are a lot of factors that’ll change what’s considered a safe distance including speed, vehicle type, and driving conditions but as a guide, always remember to keep at least a 2-second gap.
Not giving way is dangerous
Now there’s more people out on the roads, let’s continue to look out for each other. Failing to give way or stop, contributed to nearly 5,000 serious crashes* in Queensland from 2014 to 2018.
Remembering to give way at a give-way sign might be easy, but there are many other situations where you need to give way.
Even on the shortest of trips, around your suburbs, stay alert and always look out for your fellow driver.
If you’re not sure how to measure this distance,
try this method:
Pick a mark on the road or an object close to the left-hand side of the road, such as a power or light pole.
When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the object, count ‘1 thousand 1, 1 thousand 2’ (this takes about 2 seconds).
If the front of your vehicle passes the object before you finish counting, you are too close, so drop back.
Road rules for everyday driving
For more information on safe driving and the road rules, visit www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road, where you can test yourself with a road rules refresher quiz.
*Serious crashes are crashes that result in a fatality or hospitalisation.