Young minds driving road safety ideas

More than 100 young Queenslanders are gathering today to brainstorm ways of reducing the state’s unacceptably high road toll.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said too many young people were killed or injured but good ideas could change that.

The Youth Innovation Challenge is meeting at the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm, following the Safer Roads, Safer Queensland forum in April.

People aged 16 to 21 are taking part, exploring challenges ranging from driver distractions to peer pressure.

“It’s confronting that young drivers make up 14 per cent of all driver licence holders – but account for 34.8 per cent of all road deaths and serious injuries,” Mr Bailey said.

“These deaths and acquired disabilities affect families and friends and this cannot be underestimated.

“That’s why it’s essential that we hear from Queensland’s young drivers – the very people who are overrepresented in the crash statistics.”

A neuroscientist, trauma nurse and anaesthetist are among the road safety and trauma experts who will be taking part in panel discussions, which media personality James Mathison will moderate.

Ideas generated at today’s session will be explored again in September.

During the first half of 2015, 24 young drivers were killed on Queensland roads.

“These horrible statistics won’t be turned around until younger drivers change their behaviour,” Mr Bailey said.

“That’s why the Youth Innovation Challenge today is so important.”

The Palaszczuk Government is introducing double demerit for drivers who use mobile phones from September, without doubling the fines.

“This government is serious about tackling bad driver behaviour but there is always more that can be done,” Mr Bailey said.

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