The Queensland Road Safety Research Collaboration was established to advance road safety research aimed at reducing road trauma and claims frequency within Queensland’s CTP Scheme. Officially commencing on 1 January 2025 with the addition of Griffith University to existing long-term partnerships with QUT and UniSC, the collaboration seeks to strengthen communication and cooperation between MAIC and its university partners.
Key objectives include enhancing research capacity and capability through consistent funding, minimising duplication of efforts, and addressing emerging research priorities. The initiative also aims to foster partnerships across government, industry, and academia while supporting and developing the next generation of road safety researchers. Through this collaborative approach, the Queensland Road Safety Research Collaboration is driving innovative solutions to improve road safety outcomes for all Queenslanders.
Last week’s showcase bought together these three university collaborations to share insights and strengthen partnerships as a means of enhancing road safety policy in Queensland. The diversity of research areas shows a comprehensive approach to tackling road safety challenges.
Each Uni Collaboration has known areas of expertise: QUT (Young Drivers, Distraction and Road Safety Messaging) Griffith (Motorcycles and Fleet Safety) and UniSC (Impaired Driving, Older Drivers and Regional).
Sharon Newnam’s team from QUT presented:
- Distracted driving prevention
This project examines drivers’ engagement with various distractions and their perceptions of related road rules, identifying differences across demographics. Drivers showed more control and favourable attitudes toward technological distractions, though rules were seen as moderately effective and complex. The findings aim to inform strategies to reduce distracted driving. - Empowering learner driver instructors
Focusing on young drivers (16–25 years) disproportionately involved in crashes, this project develops a training program for instructors to address observation and decision-making errors. By equipping trainers with higher-order instruction skills, the project aims to reduce young driver crash rates. - Talking tailgating
This project investigates tailgating behaviours and trials the Behaviour Awareness Monitoring (BAM) system, which provides real-time messages encouraging safe following distances. Early findings highlight confusion about safe gaps and low perceived importance of tailgating. Insights will shape awareness campaigns, with BAM trials ongoing in Southeast Queensland until December 2025.
Kerry Armstrong’s team from UniSC spoke about:
- Medicinal cannabis research
This study examines the effects of varying doses of medicinal THC on cognitive and driving performance. While tolerance may reduce impairments at lower doses, higher doses negatively impact critical driving skills. Findings raise concerns about driving safety for users with higher therapeutic intakes, informing discussions on driving exemptions. - Women and substance-impaired driving
Focusing on women’s underrepresentation in substance-impaired driving research, this project explores factors like misjudging BAC, high-risk behaviours, and psychosocial challenges. A planned trial with QPS will provide referral services to help women address underlying issues and reduce reoffending. - ROADSAFE study
This project aims to create a reliable screening tool for assessing cognitive fitness to drive, addressing gaps in current methods that lead to inaccurate evaluations. The on-road study will link cognitive function to driving outcomes, supporting the development of evidence-based assessments for older drivers.
Darren Wishart’s Griffith University team showcased:
- Hidden in plain sight: driver detection of lane filtering motorcycles
This project examines the benefits of motorcycle lane filtering, such as reducing congestion and rear-end collisions, alongside risks like visibility challenges and driver distractions. It highlights that drivers often fail to notice filtering motorcycles, especially at speeds over 30 km/h, and provides a strong foundation for future research. - The Why(?) of the storm: decision making to drive during extreme weather events
This project explores why people drive in extreme weather despite warnings, finding that decisions are influenced by perceived danger, often leading to risky behaviour. After Cyclone Alfred was downgraded, many underestimated ongoing hazards and resumed driving too soon, underscoring the need for better public safety strategies during extreme weather events. - Heavy vehicles and other road user interactions: two views on behaviour
This study investigates heavy vehicle interactions with other road users, revealing frequent near-collisions due to unsafe overtaking. It highlights the lack of heavy vehicle training in Queensland’s learner driver programs and uses driving simulators to provide insights for improving road safety and education.
Rounded out by MAIC Data Linkage Fellowship and Road Safety Data Bureau representative, Angela Watson
- Data Linkage Fellowship
Integrating data from multiple sources provides insights into repeat traffic offenders, who face barriers like financial stress, social disadvantage, and debt. Tailored approaches and innovative interventions are needed, with offence profiles used to communicate support options effectively. - Road Safety Data Bureau
The bureau consolidates and analyses road crash data from member agencies to support evidence-based decision-making and develop policies aimed at reducing road injuries and improving safety across Queensland.
The showcase event bought together not only the three collaborating Universities but representatives from Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and the Jamieson Trauma Institute.
