Travel safe

Driving

  • 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, tram or get a lift with a friend who has not been drinking alcohol. If you're only going to Schoolies for one night, ask your parents to give you a ride.
  • 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.
  • If you have a learner or provisional licence, you must have a zero blood and breath-alcohol concentration when driving. You've only just got your licence – don't lose it at Schoolies.
  • All drivers are banned from using a mobile phone that is held in the hand while driving, but if you are under 25, you can't use a mobile phone of any type at any time.  This includes handsfree, wireless headsets and speaker phoens.  Park the vehicle safely before making or taking a call or texting.
  • Don’t consider driving without a proper supervisor if you are a learner – you’ll lose four points instantly which means you will lose your licence if you are caught. And if you are a P1 driver, remember peer passenger restrictions come into effect between 11pm and 5am. Visit the Queensland Government website for everything you need to know about driving restrictions for learners and provisionals in Queensland.
  • Be aware of roadworks and follow the reduced speed limits – even at night if there is no-one there. The lower speed limit is set for your safety in the changed road conditions as well as the safety of the workers on site. Fines apply – don't risk it.
  • Beware of driving tired. After a big night (or week) of partying, don’t drive until you are well-rested and alert. This is particularly important for the journey to and from Schoolies where you may be driving long distances. Take a break at least every two hours and share the driving if you can.
  • Ensure you and all passengers are buckled up, no matter how long or short the journey. If you’re driving and one of your friends isn’t wearing their seatbelt you will have to wear the fine.

Walking

  • If you're on your own ask a volunteer to walk you back to your accommodation. They will ensure you get home safely.
  • Drinking alcohol affects your vision, judgment and coordination, making it difficult to drive or walk safely.
  • If you’ve been drinking, walk with a sober friend or in a group.
  • Stay on the footpath, and if there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road towards approaching traffic and as close to the curb as possible. Wear or carry something bright when walking at night or turn your phone's flashlight on.

  • Cross at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as that’s where drivers will expect to see pedestrians. If there is no marked crossing, cross the road under a street light and always look both ways.

On a motorcycle, moped or motorised scooter

  • Take it easy if you're on two wheels. People riding a motorcycle have a very high crash rate in their first years of riding, regardless of their age. In Australia, motorcycle riders have 30 times the fatality rate and 41 times the serious injury rate of car occupants.
  • Stay sober and stick to the limit if you're planning to rent a motorcycle, moped or scooter. Risk taking behaviour such as speeding, riding under the influence of alcohol and unlicensed riding continue to be a problem, with these factors common in motorcycle crashes in Queensland.
  • Visit Motorcycle safety for tips on how to be aware, take care and survive on your motorcycle.