A new road safety program targets high-risk young drivers in regional Queensland. 

With nearly 60 per cent of Australia’s road deaths occurring on regional and remote roads, and those aged 16 to 25 particularly vulnerable, the BRAKE Rural and Remote initiative is set to be introduced in Queensland schools in 2025. 

The program aims to educate high school students on safe driving, especially around trucks and rural hazards.

Funded by the Queensland Government's Community Road Safety Grants Scheme, the program builds on the existing BRAKE Driver Awareness initiative, which has already reached 80,000 students in more than 160 schools.

Developed with input from Dr Hugh Shannon of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the program is designed for Year 10 and 11 students. Delivered online, it allows schools to incorporate road safety lessons into regular classes. 

Dr Shannon highlighted that both urban and rural students should learn to navigate regional driving conditions, where fatality rates are significantly higher.

Rob Duncan, CEO of BRAKE, has noted the dangers faced by inexperienced drivers on rural roads. 

“This program equips students, whether urban or regional, with the skills to drive safely in these challenging conditions,” he said. 

The curriculum includes truck and rail safety, which is often unfamiliar to urban drivers.

BRAKE will also introduce a module on e-scooter safety in early 2025, addressing the growing use of personal mobility devices in Queensland. 

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