What is the BRAKE Rural and Remote Module?

BRAKE is thrilled to announce the development of a new optional module tailored specifically for rural and remote road safety education.

With additional funding from the Queensland Government Community Road Safety Grants Scheme, this initiative aims to combat the alarming rate of road fatalities in these regions.

• No Extra Cost: This module is available at no additional charge and complements the existing six-module core BRAKE Program.
• Beneficial for All Students:
  • Rural Students: Often overconfident on familiar roads without formal driver training due to location constraints.
  • City Students: May lack experience and awareness of the unique risks posed by rural and remote roads.
• Availability: Starting from Term 1, 2025, all Queensland high schools can integrate this module into their curriculum.

Why is this program important?

Road safety statistics underscore the critical need for targeted education in rural and remote areas:

• Disproportionate Fatalities: These regions account for 65% of Australia’s road fatalities, despite housing only 30% of the population.
• Higher Crash Rates:
  • Regional Roads: Nearly five times more crashes than in major cities.
  • Remote Roads: Nearly nine times more crashes than in major cities.
• Unique Risks and Hazards: Rural and remote roads present challenges not typically encountered in urban settings.

By enhancing education and awareness, we aim to:

• Prepare young drivers to be more alert and cautious on these roads.
• Increase awareness of environmental hazards.
• Reduce engagement in risky behaviours prevalent in these regions.

How does the program work?

The module incorporates evidence-based best practices to educate students on the heightened risks and hazards of rural and remote driving.

Key topics include:

• Seatbelt Usage: Understanding why seatbelt use decreases with remoteness and how to combat this trend.
• Alcohol Awareness: Addressing the increase in alcohol usage in remote areas and its impact on driving safety.
• Planning for Distances: Emphasising the importance of planning journeys, especially when attending events far from home and preparing for limited emergency services.
• Road Conditions: Navigating poorly maintained roads and recognising the dangers of high-speed limits in rural settings.
• Wildlife Hazards: Identifying frequent wildlife crossings and learning how to react appropriately to prevent collisions.
• Fatigue Management: Recognising the risks of monotonous scenery leading to driver fatigue over long distances and strategies to stay alert.

Equip your students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate rural and remote roads safely.
Enroll in the new Rural & Remote module to integrate this essential module into your school’s program . It starts in Term 1, 2025!