Everyone wants to feel safe when getting in to their car regardless of whether they are driving to work or for a holiday. People like to think their car will be safe in a public car park and that other drivers on the road will be courteous of them. However, unfortunately this is not always the case. The following sections will cover simple steps to ensure your car protection and for your safety whilst you are driving on the road.
Car Theft Prevention
Research has shown that there are generally two types of car thefts; those that offend when the opportunity arises and those who are professional car stealers.
The opportunist thief will commonly steal the car, take it for a joy ride or use it for further offending, damage it, and leave it abandoned.
The professional thief will steal cars with the intention of making a profit. They will either dismantle the car and sell the parts or renovate the car and sell it so that it is unidentifiable to the owner.
These are some simple tips for prevention of car theft:
- Always close all windows and lock your car doors when leaving your car unattended. This includes when parking the car at home for the night or only leaving the car for a short period of time, such as paying for fuel at the petrol station.
- Never leave your keys in the car.
- Avoid leaving valuable property in your car wherever possible. If you must leave something in your car, do your best to hide it, like in the boot and do so in a discreet area away from prying eyes. Potential offenders will break into your car if they see a spare few dollars on the floor. It is a good policy to keep your car clean with nothing lying around.
- Do not leave registration papers in an unattended car - This could advise a potential thief that the address on the papers is currently unoccupied.
- Never leave spare car keys in the car or anywhere a thief could easily find them.
- Steering wheel locks or Australian Standards approved engine immobilizers are great security tools for preventing car theft.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit and visible area in case of having to walk to it at night.
- Wherever possible use secure or off-street parking.
- Consider attaching your number plates with 'one-way' screws that require a special tool to be removed. This will considerably reduce the likelihood of your number plates being stolen.
Child Car Seats
Children and adults must be properly restrained to ensure their safety while travelling in motor vehicles. It's the law for all children up to seven years of age to be correctly restrained according to their size and age. It is important that the correct child restraint is chosen and installed.
The following is a guide to selecting a suitable child restraint:
- 0-6 months: Rearward facing infant restraint
- 6 months - 4 years: Rearward facing infant restraint → Forward facing child restraint with built-in harness
- 4 years - 7 years: Booster seat with lap-sash H-harness or booster seat with a secured adult seatbelt
The driver is responsible for ensuring that all people travelling in their vehicle are correctly restrained. If they or their passengers are not restrained correctly, they risk being fined and losing demerit points for each unrestrained or incorrectly restrained child in the vehicle.
For further information contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80 or visit their website on child restraints http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/childrestraints.aspx
Drink and Drug Driving
Alcohol and drugs are a major contributing factor to crash fatalities on Queensland roads. These accidents have horrific consequences for the victims and families, especially given that such accidents are so easily prevented.
Drink Driving
On average Queensland drivers can be expected to be stopped for a random breath test once every year. Alcohol can have seriously adverse effects on your judgment ability to drive.
If you plan to drink alcohol - Don't drive!
Blood Alcohol Concentrate (BAC) refers to a measurement of how much alcohol is in your body. The legal blood alcohol concentrate (BAC) in Queensland is:
- 0.00 (zero) BAC also known as 'no alcohol limit'
- 0.05 BAC also known as 'general alcohol limit'
For further information regarding BAC and drinking responsibility please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80 or visit their website on Drink Driving http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/drink-driving/drinking/index.html
Drug Driving
In 2007 the Queensland Government began drug testing on Queensland roads. Roadside drug tests involve a police officer conducting a saliva test, similar to random breath testing. The salvia test, tests for illegal drugs; THC, Methylamphetamine and MDMA.
- Never take illegal drugs and drive
- Never drive after taking prescription medical or over-the-counter medications that may affect your driving
For more information on Drug Driving you can contact your local police station, the Department of Transport and Main Roads or the following Queensland Police Service Drug Driving Fact Sheet website: http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/roadSafety/drugDriving.htm
Hoon Hotline
The Queensland Police Service has a designated 'Hoon Hotline' for citizens to report people who are driving recklessly and dangerously on Queensland roads. The Hoon Hotline allows police to centrally record all hooning behaviours and also allows citizens to easily record incidents. Any hooning incidents recorded will be relayed to the police for further investigation. The Hoon Hotline is a great tool to help stop hooning in your local neighborhood and support safer roads and driving behaviours. The Hoon Hotline can be contacted on 13HOON and further information can be found at the Queensland Police Service website: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/apps/reports/hoonOnline
Public Transport Safety
The Ipswich region has a well-connected and well-resourced public transport system that is a popular option for those commuting to work and overall transport option. It is important to feel safe whilst you are on public transport and to learn some safe strategies if a situation does arise whilst you are on or waiting for public transport. Below are some tips and strategies for staying safe on public transport.
- The most important strategy for catching public transport is to always plan your trip in advance and ensure you have the most up-to-date timetable. This will minimize waiting time and ensure you are not waiting around for long periods of time alone. Where possible consider taking a mate along with you for the trip. When within South East Queensland, utilise Translink devices for public transport advice and timetables on 13 12 30 or refer to their website http://www.translink.com.au/
- If you do not feel comfortable sitting near someone at a station or on public transport, do not feel scared to move or shift seats and where possible move closer to the driver of the vehicle. Remember that the driver should usually be able to call for assistance promptly if it is needed and if you cannot reach the driver a emergency button should be close by.
- When departing the public transport station ensure you are leaving at a safe exit or organize for someone to meet you at the destination. You should avoid getting off at a stop that is not well lighted or requires you to walk a distance to your destination.