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Getting around
Getting around
On foot
- When walking, stay on the footpath. If there isn't one, walk on the right-hand side of the road towards approaching traffic and as close to the curb as possible. At night, wear or carry something bright as drivers may not be able to see you until it's too late.
- Cross at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights. If there is no marked crossing, cross the road under a street light and always look both ways.
- Never walk alone. Walk with a sober friend or in a group. Ask an official volunteer to walk you home if you become separated from your friends.
Using public transport
- Keep money for a phone call, taxi or public transport so you will always be able to get home safely.
- Know where you are staying and how to get there. If you plan to use public transport in south-east Queensland, visit Translink or call 13 12 30 for bus, ferry and train timetables.
- Save the number for the local taxi service into your mobile phone.
- On the Gold Coast your wristband will give you access to RACQ free2go buses which run each night every 20 minutes from 8.30 pm until 3 am between the major hotels from Surfers Paradise to Main Beach and Broadbeach.
At roadworks
- Accidents happen when roadwork signs and speed limits are ignored. Failing to obey roadwork signage can be costly, and not just to your wallet. Injuries, vehicle damage and the loss of points will take their toll.
Falls from high-rises are fatal
- If you sit on or lean over balcony railings, or climb and hang off the wrong side of a balcony, you can lose your balance and fall. Falls from high-rises have resulted in serious injuries or death.
- Room-hopping is extremely dangerous. If you hop from balcony to balcony and fall, at worse, you may lose your life; at best, you may be evicted from your accommodation.
Alcohol and drugs
- Don't drink and drive or get in the car with a drunk driver - you could lose your licence or your life. If you plan on drinking, leave the car at home or at the party and catch a taxi, bus or get a lift with a sober friend.
- Drinking alcohol affects your vision, judgment and coordination, making it difficult to drive or walk safely.
- If you are under the age of 25 and have a learner or provisional licence, you must have a zero blood and breath-alcohol concentration when driving. If you are a learner driving under supervision, your supervising driver must also have a zero blood and breath-alcohol concentration.
- Driving when affected by drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Drugs can make you drowsy, reduce your alertness, concentration, coordination and impair your reaction time. Police can drug-test you while driving - don't risk it.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable road-users
Motorcycle riders are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than any other vehicle drivers in Queensland. In more than 83 per cent of fatal motorcycle crashes, the rider was at fault. Visit Motorcycle Safety for tips on how to be aware, take care and survive on your motorcycle.
If hiring a car or moped:
- Inspect the vehicle for existing damage and note it on the hire contract.
- Read the contract carefully and make sure you understand the terms and conditions, especially deposit and insurance information. Don't sign the contract if there is anything you don't understand or agree with. Shop around - you may find another contract is more suitable.
- Don't hire the vehicle if third party insurance is not offered. Check for clauses leaving the hirer fully liable for any damage. Damage excess can be up to $3000 and must be paid regardless of who is at fault.
- Be aware that some traders may also hold a group jointly responsible for damage to any of the vehicles. For example, if six people hire mopeds under the one contract and one moped is damaged, all six deposits could be held until the trader determines the cost of repairs.
- Find out where you are allowed to drive the vehicle. Some hire vehicles, such as mopeds, may be restricted to a fixed area and a certain number of kilometers.
- Make sure your driver licence or learner permit is current.
During your hire
- When driving the vehicle, regularly check the fuel gauge, temperature gauge and oil pressure lights. Be aware of strange noises and any warning signs of a mechanical problem.
- If there is a problem, immediately stop the vehicle and contact the trader. If you continue to drive, you might be held liable for subsequent damage.
- When returning the vehicle, get the trader to inspect and record the condition of the vehicle on the hire contract.
For more information on vehicle hire or to lodge a complaint, visit the Office for Fair Trading or call 13 13 04.
Last reviewed: 29 September 2009
