Road safety research roundup: Queensland Road Safety Week at MAIC

Six smiling people stand in front of a blue media wall with “MAIC” logos. — (Pictured L-R: **Neil Singleton** [Insurance Commissioner], **Jordan Lynch** [MAIC Principal Research Officer], **Jourdy Sweeney** [Statewide P.A.R.T.Y. coordinator], **Professor Cate Cameron** [Jamieson Trauma Institute], **Matthew Waugh** [MAIC Director Research and Grants], **Associate Professor Darren Wishart** [MAIC Griffith University Road Safety Research Collaboration])

The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) recently hosted a special event to mark Queensland Road Safety Week, bringing together road safety researchers and key collaborators. We were privileged to hear from expert speakers who shared their knowledge, research, and initiatives aimed at improving safety on Queensland roads. Their insights and contributions help us to focus on our key objectives of reducing crashes on Queensland roads.

Associate Professor Darren Wishart showcased the latest research from the MAIC Griffith University Road Safety Research Collaboration. The Collaboration focuses on a number of key road safety issues including motorcycle and fleet safety, as well as vehicles as a workplace, including heavy vehicle transport and logistics, private vehicles used for work, taxis and rideshare, and motorhome hire and tourism.

A man wearing a red shirt holds his hands out as he stands in front of a room of seated people, windows and buildings are visible behind him. — *(**Associate Professor Darren Wishart** presents at the MAIC Queensland Road Safety Week event.)*

The After P.A.R.T.Y. team, including Professor Cate Cameron (Jamieson Trauma Institute), Jourdy Sweeney (Statewide P.A.R.T.Y. coordinator), and Zach Nightingale (After P.A.R.T.Y. Consumer Representative) shared their vital work. Through MAIC’s support they are undertaking research to look at the impacts of a ‘booster’ intervention through the After P.A.R.T.Y. video which aims to reinforce the impact of the existing P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) Program. This is a one-day, free, injury prevention initiative which reaches ~4,500 Queensland high school students aged 15-18 each year, promoting injury prevention through reality-based education.

A woman stands staring at a large screen. On the screen is text that reads “Jamieson Trauma Institute. After P.A.R.T.Y. Zach Nightingale. — (**Professor Cate Cameron** [Jamieson Trauma Institute], **Jourdy Sweeney** [Statewide P.A.R.T.Y. coordinator], and **Zach Nightingale** [After P.A.R.T.Y. Consumer Representative] present at the MAIC Queensland Road Safety Week event.)

Support dog ‘Kingsley’, Road Policing and Forensic Crash Unit (FCU) staff also visited MAIC to celebrate our successful ongoing collaboration with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Road Policing Group. The QPS team were on hand to provide information on Kingsley’s important role in helping the FCU team deal with road trauma everyday as they investigate why fatal and serious traffic incidents occur.

We would like to thank all the guest speakers and attendees who participated in our Queensland Road Safety Week event. Your contributions, insights, and collaboration in advancing road safety across the state are making an incredible impact. Together, we are making meaningful progress towards safer roads for all Queenslanders and contributing to a reduction in claims frequency within the Queensland CTP scheme.