Motorists, particularly young people and their parents, are encouraged to get the latest vehicle and road safety advice from a host of experts at a Fatality Free Friday event at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Friday 29 May.

USC Research Fellow Dr Bridie Scott-Parker is co-organising the event from 9am to 3pm on campus at Sippy Downs to provide free information for students, staff and the public on everything from car modifications, licensing and legislation to safety tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads is presenting this event for Fatality Free Friday, a national campaign that aims to achieve zero deaths on Australian roads on that day, and hopefully many more days each year.

The Department’s display will include a full-size, blow-up hatchback where people can sign pledges to stay safe on the roads, and a special inspection vehicle with inspectors able to advise people on matters such as legal and illegal modifications.

The Queensland Police Service will display a car and a motorcycle, with several officers providing a range of resources.

Dr Scott-Parker, who leads USC’s new Adolescent Risk Research Unit, will be on hand to explain her research findings on issues such as the effects of young people’s emotions on their behaviour as drivers or passengers, and the important role of parents in teaching safe driving.

Sunshine Coast Council will provide a car boot of posters and resources. Rotary will display information about its Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, which sponsors Fatality Free Friday across Australia, will feature a display staffed by its Maroochydore office.

A sombre reminder of the human impact of road deaths will be a collection of thongs representing the people killed on roads in the Sunshine Coast region in recent years.

Dr Scott-Parker, whose research focuses on the psychology of driving, said she was looking forward to chatting to the wider community about elements of road safety.

“We urge everyone who uses our roads to come to the University and engage in this event. This is such an important issue,” she said.

The outdoor event will be held between buildings on the centre of campus at Sippy Downs.

For more information, email Dr Scott-Parker at bscottpa@usc.edu.au for USC queries or visit Fatality Free Friday.

— Julie Schomberg