Road Safety
When driving, you should be aware of the Fatal Four killers - speeding, driving drunk, driving without wearing a seatbelt and fatigue. Queensland Police patrol the State's roads in an effort to prevent and detect the Fatal Four.
Speeding motoristsEvery k over is a killer. Observe the speed limits at all times and don't exceed the signed maximum speed limit.
Driving drunkDepending on your age, driving experience and the type/class vehicle being driven, a driver's alcohol concentration may be required to be zero. If you are unsure whether you are over the legal limit - DO NOT DRIVE.
SeatbeltsBuckle-up your seatbelt whilst travelling in a motor vehicle this could save your life. You can be fined if you don't wear a seatbelt.
Driver fatigueHave a good sleep before your trip and be aware of the dangers of driving when tired and on unfamiliar roads. When travelling long distances, a minimum of a 15-minute rest is recommended every two hours. In peak holiday periods, look for Driver Reviver stops, where you can rest, have a free snack and a coffee or tea.
If you are taking a driving holiday through Queensland, remember to ...
- Check that your driver's licence is valid in Australia, or obtain an International Drivers Permit before you drive, as you must be licensed to drive a motor vehicle in Queensland.
- Queensland is a large state and in some areas there are long distances between towns and help. Be sensible about your driving capabilities, the distances covered and amount of travelling time needed to get there.
- Drive on the LEFT SIDE of the road in Australia.
- Approved helmets must be worn when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
- Vehicles must be roadworthy and registered in the name of the current owner.
- Be aware of fast changing weather and the wet season in tropical Queensland.
- If travelling in the outback, make sure your car is capable of making the journey. If the roads are in poor condition, slow down and drive to suit the road conditions.
- Plan every long journey - use current maps and if necessary, contact the local police along the tour route to find the best roads to take.
- Make sure you take enough water and food provisions for the trip.
- Carry the correct tools in the car to make basic repairs. If your car breaks down, stay with your car until help arrives, unless you are certain there is help nearby.
- When travelling behind long vehicles (semi-trailers, road trains etc), don't overtake unless you have plenty of room, time to overtake and it is safe to get past the vehicle.
TourSafe Tip: Place a reminder note such as KEEP LEFT on the dashboard near the speedometer and ask your passengers to remind you to KEEP LEFT whenever you get back in the car to start your journey.
TourSafe Tip: DO NOT hitchhike and when driving ignore hitchhikers. Hitchhiking from a road is an offence in Queensland. If you are concerned for a hitchhiker's safety, continue on and notify police in the next town about them.
TourSafe Tip: Buy a Queensland Road Rules booklet. These are available from Queensland Transport offices and newsagencies.
TourSafe Tip: For more information about driving safely in Queensland, visit
- www.transport.qld.gov.au/driving,
www.transport.qld.gov.au/safety,
www.roadsafety.qld.gov.au,
www.mainroads.qld.gov.au and
www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/LTASinfo.nsf/index/roadrules_home,
TourSafe Tip: For information about planning a road trip visit the Royal Automobile Club Queensland (RACQ) travel planner on www.racq.com.au
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