Every year approximately 1,300 people die on Australian roads. Queensland’s death toll alone accounts for an estimated 300 fatalities. Additionally, over 3,000 people in Queensland are seriously injured in road accidents leaving them disabled, out of pocket and unable to return to work. Tragically, 90% of all road accidents are easily preventable if the driver was not speeding, under the influence of alcohol or merely paying attention to the road.
So we can all have safer roads, here are a few safety driving tips:-
- Switch your phone to silent or flight mode as soon as you get behind the wheel and let everyone know you’re driving ‘phone-free’ and remove pressure to be in contact.
- Driving tired affects reaction times and impairs judgement. Take a break or don’t drive if you’re tired.
- Regularly check your speed to ensure you are travelling within the posted speed limit; most crashes happen at less than 10 kilometres over the speed limit.
- If the weather, traffic or road conditions are poor, you may need to slow down, increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front, and travel below the speed limit to stay safe.
Every person has the right to travel on safer roads and arrive home safely when using Queensland roads and by being aware, you can do your bit to reduce the chance of an accident. However, as we cannot control other people’s actions while driving, it is important to know what you are entitled to if you were ever to find yourself or a loved one injured, disabled or killed from an accident.
If you or a loved one have sustained an injury in a car accident you may have the right to make a common law claim for damages. In Queensland you have three (3) years from the date of injury or accident to settle your claim or file court documents or you will forever lose your right to make a claim.
For more information about motor vehicle accident claims contact one of our injury lawyers on 1300 285 888.
