Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) internationally-recognised road safety research centre has received a $7.25 million funding boost.
The Queensland government extended its commitment to the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q) at QUT, announcing additional funding this week.
State Minister for Finance and the Arts Rachel Nolan said the government's Motor Accident Insurance Commission had extended its commitment to CARRS-Q with $7.25 million of funding over the next three years.
"Investment in accident research and road safety is vital in helping Queensland to curb its road death toll and prevent injuries," Ms Nolan said.
"Given that most crashes can be attributed to driver error, the significance of CARRS-Q and its research program cannot be overestimated."
Ms Nolan said the government funding would be invested in research, education and outreach activities to improve road safety for Queensland drivers.
"CARRS-Q is a vital player in the international pursuit of road safety," she said.
"The research program undertaken by CARRS-Q aims to ultimately save lives and minimise the trauma-related harm caused by crashes on our roads."
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CARRS-Q director Professor Barry Watson said the centre, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, had grown into one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world and was the premier trainer of road safety researchers and practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region.
"At the state and national level, CARRS-Q has had a major impact on road safety and injury prevention policies and practices, through both government and industry linkages," Professor Watson said.
"The centre has also established a growing international profile, recognised by the International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety (ICADTS) when it awarded the Centre the Institutional Widmark Award in 2010.
"This award was a major acknowledgement of the centre's international reputation in the area of alcohol, drugs, and traffic safety research.
"At the core of CARRS-Q's successes is a great team of internationally regarded researchers and educators."
CARRS-Q research has contributed to the implementation of significant road safety initiatives in Queensland in association with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and a range of other government and industry groups.
Media contact: Stephanie Harrington, QUT media officer, 3138 1150, stephanie.harrington@qut.edu.au
