A "pace car" that drives through Logan school zones with lights flashing as part of a road safety initiative designed to remind drivers to slow down, has been named a finalist in the 2013 Queensland Road Safety Awards.
The awards run by QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), recognises practical and positive road safety programs being run in the community.
CARRS-Q director Professor Barry Watson said the school zone pace car, known as Patrick Pace Car, travelled at 40km/h through school zones in the local area.
Managed by Logan City Council, the program runs in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and local schools.
"According to Logan City Council, speeding has decreased generally around schools in the area, although regular patrols are necessary," Professor Watson said.
He said the program, which involved a Council vehicle branded like a pace car and follow up speed enforcement by Queensland Police, was ongoing and piggy-backed on police operations focused on speeding.
Professor Watson said the awards which were judged on creativity, originality and real world application had generated a high caliber of entries.
"Community involvement is a vital factor in determining whether or not the road toll is reduced over the long term," he said.
"Road safety initiatives that have a history of community involvement and evaluated outcomes are often the winners both on the roads, and in the awards."
The winners will be announced on October 22 at a special road safety workshop in Rockhampton.
The full list of finalists are:
•Patrick - The School Zone Pace Car - Logan City Council
•Braking the Cycle - Queensland Police Citizens Youth and Welfare Association
•Drink Driving Rehabilitation and Artwork Camps - Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku
•Waverly Creek Rest Area Initiative - Road Accident Action Group Mackay
•Operation Edify (Road Safety) - Jimboomba Police, Queensland Police Service
•Drowsy Driver Reviver Kit - Janey Dwyer
•Road Safety Strategic Plan 2011-15 - Toowoomba Regional Council
•Stay On Track Outback - Sergeant Dominic Richardson, Queensland Police Service
•Project R.A.P.T.A.R. (Reduce Accidents, Prevent Tragedy, Activate Resources)
•Road Safety - Bundaberg Leads the Way - Senior Constable Danielle Loftus, Queensland Police Service
•Leighton Contractors Youth Drive Safe Initiative - Leighton Contractors
•St Mary's Primary School (Ipswich) Look Out program - St Mary's Primary School P&F Committee
•Warrigal Road State School - Warrigal Road state School - SAFEST Committee
The awards, an initiative of CARRS-Q and the RACQ, are actively supported by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
For more information on the awards, visit www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/qrsa/.
Media contacts
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT media officer (Tue/Wed), 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
Clare Murray, CARRS-Q marketing officer, 07 3138 4589 or clare.murray@qut.edu.au
