Queensland and NSW ramp up road safety

By Staff Writer

A new NSW education initiative gives young drivers the chance to help design a road safety campaign in the hope of getting the message out to their peers.

Designed by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, www.pimpourads.com will attempt to engage young drivers in a campaign that sees the best entrant take home a new car – a Toyota Yaris.

“The best design will set the direction for the next RTA state-wide poster campaign online, complete with pictures, headlines and captions,” says NSW Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal.

The two runners up and the most popular advertisement as voted online, will each win one of three Macbook Pro Notebook computers with all entrants going into the draw for iTunes vouchers.

Pimpourads.com is based on the success of the international MTV show about customising cars, Pimp My Ride.
NSW residents aged over 16 and under 30 are eligible to enter the competition.

Queensland blueprint

Also in the road safety area, the Queensland Parliament has passed a new blueprint for road safety.
Legislation passed in State Parliament this week sees new training and licensing requirements for young drivers, road-side drug testing and fixed speed cameras.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, says the Transport Legislation and Another Act Amendment Bill 2006 includes a new graduated licensing system to be introduced from July 1 for young drivers.

"Young drivers die on our roads around two-and-a-half times more than other drivers," Mr Lucas says.

The legislation introduces a random drug testing scheme in Queensland, allowing police to stop vehicles and conduct a drug test for the drivers of vehicles using saliva analysis.

"I realise that some of these measures won't be popular with young drivers. But we're not trying to win a popularity contest, we're trying to save lives," he says.