This week is Queensland Road Safety Week – a time to come together as a community and focus on how we can all make our roads safer.
In 2024, 303 people lost their lives on Queensland roads and another 7,565 people were seriously injured. Tragically, this represents a 4.6% increase in road fatalities compared to the previous year. These numbers are more than just statistics – behind every one is a family, a friend, and a community forever changed.
Just recently, Queensland was reminded of how devastating road trauma can be, with a tragic crash in Logan where a driver was charged with manslaughter following the deaths of two pedestrians. Stories like this highlight why road safety must be a priority for all of us. Read more here.
Why This Week Matters
Road safety isn’t just about rules and regulations – it’s about protecting the people we care about. Whether you’re driving to work, heading out with friends, or taking the kids to sport, every trip matters. Small decisions make a big difference.
What We Can Do Together
Here are some simple but powerful ways we can all contribute:
Slow down – arriving a few minutes later is always better than not arriving at all.
Stay off the phone – distractions can wait until the car is parked.
Don’t drive tired – if you’re yawning or struggling to concentrate, it’s time for a break.
Drive sober – alcohol and drugs affect judgment and reaction time.
Belt up – seatbelts save lives, every time.
This Queensland Road Safety Week, we invite you to make a personal commitment to safer driving. What’s one thing you will change to keep yourself and others safe on the road?
I’ll take a breath – and won’t rush!
I won’t weave in and out of traffic.
If someone else is being reckless – I will “let them”.
I will pay attention!
I won’t drive tired.
I will avoid driving if I am drinking (even one glass).
We’re one team, Queensland – what is your action to drive like it?
💛 #oneteamqld
As an OT driving assessor, I am acutely aware of the complex interplay between medical conditions, medications, and driving safety. Medicinal cannabis is a growing area of interest—and concern—especially as more people access it to manage chronic conditions. Recently, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of people being prescribed medicinal cannabis. So what’s the impact on driving?
The Queensland Government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding driving with any detectable amount of THC in the system, regardless of whether the cannabis is used medicinally. This policy applies to all drivers, including those with a valid prescription for medicinal cannabis. A positive roadside drug test can result in immediate suspension, fines, or further legal action.
Many medicinal cannabis products contain THC, the psychoactive compound that can impair driving. Research consistently shows that THC impairs critical driving functions—judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time. Multiple studies link cannabis use to increased crash risk, with some showing the risk more than doubles.
THC’s effects can vary depending on dose, frequency of use, and individual metabolism, which makes setting a “safe” limit nearly impossible. This variability is a key reason behind Queensland’s continued zero-tolerance stance. Even if prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, THC may still impair driving. Importantly, roadside tests cannot distinguish between prescribed and recreational use. This means medicinal cannabis users are subject to the same legal penalties.
Recommendations for Medicinal Cannabis Users
- Consult Healthcare Providers – Before driving, discuss with your doctor the potential effects of your medicinal cannabis treatment on your ability to drive.
- Understand Your Medication – Products containing THC can impair driving and are not exempt from drug driving laws.
- Avoid driving while using THC – Plan alternative transport options.
- Stay informed – Monitor legislative updates as reviews progress.
As a driver-trained OT, my primary concern is the safety and well-being of all road users. While medicinal cannabis plays a crucial role in managing certain health conditions, its impact on driving ability must be carefully considered. Until further research provides clearer guidelines, it is imperative that individuals using medicinal cannabis exercise caution and adhere to current laws to ensure road safety.
For more information on drug driving laws and medicinal cannabis in Queensland, visit the Queensland Government’s Transport and Motoring website.
Hello everyone! I’m Chloe, the new Practice Manager at Driving Well. With three months under my belt, I’m excited to share my journey into the world of allied health business, occupational therapy, driving, and the NDIS.
The Journey to Driving Well
My background in biomedical science and my mother’s influence as a nurse sparked my interest in healthcare. However, my role as a sleep scientist left me feeling unsatisfied. The listing for a Practice Manager at Driving Well caught my eye, offering a way to help people achieve their goals of driving. The fantastic team culture and opportunities have made my transition rewarding and fulfilling.
A Day in the Life of a Practice Manager
My role as Practice Manager keeps me on my toes, with each day bringing new clients, questions, and projects. I’m the one to greet you on the phone and help you book your appointments to get back on the road. However, there is much more to my role than just scheduling. I handle finances, send reports, and work on various projects and developments within the business. There’s no such thing as a typical day or week here!
Top Three Learnings
My first three months have been a whirlwind, filled with valuable lessons:
Patience:
Navigating the NDIS can be tricky, slow, and sometimes frustrating. I’ve learned the importance of patience, understanding that good things take time. Working through the many processes and hoops required to help clients get back to driving or start their journey has been a significant learning curve.
Diversity:
With over 130 clients in just a few months, I’ve witnessed incredible diversity in conditions, cases, and goals. This experience has highlighted that there’s no “one size fits all” in occupational therapy. The endless possibilities in helping people have been a heartwarming revelation.
Organisation:
Organisation is key in my role. Ensuring all paperwork is in order before assessment day can be stressful, but I’ve developed effective methods to ensure smooth sailing for everyone involved. My advice: have your paperwork ready on time to avoid unnecessary stress.
Exciting Projects Ahead
I’m working on several exciting projects at Driving Well:
Enhancing the toolkit with new content and making it more accessible for clients who can’t visit the clinic.
Physical Get Driving Toolkit:
Developing a tangible toolkit to send to clients, complementing the digital version.
Theratrak:
An online tool to aid clients in their therapy exercises from home. This tool allows assigning exercises and maintaining contact with clients between appointments to develop their pre-driving skills further.
Practice Manager’s Academy (PMA):
A personal project where I am developing my skills as a practice manager, thanks to the opportunity provided by Jenny.
Top Tips for Booking a Driving Assessment
Here are my top three tips for clients preparing for a driving assessment:
Breathe:
It’s normal to be nervous. The Driving Well team is supportive and ready to answer all your questions. Remember to take deep breaths and stay calm.
Be Patient and Kind:
Organising driving assessments involves coordinating with multiple people. While the team works efficiently, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Patience and kindness go a long way in making the process smoother.
Read What We Send You:
Ensure you read all the information we send you. This will cover everything you need to know about your appointment, from the location to what to expect before, during, and after the assessment. Being well-informed will save you from potential headaches.
I’m excited to thrive in my role and look forward to the positive impact I’ll continue to make at Driving Well!
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Driving Well Occupational Therapy is a busy practice that provides OT driving assessment and vehicle modification services for people with medical conditions and injuries in Brisbane, Ipswich and northern Gold Coast. We service clients who are self-funding, NDIS and other compensable (WorkCover, NIISQ, TAC, iCare).
On behalf of the team at Driving Well Occupational Therapy and in the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Turrbul and Yuggera country, where our team live and serve the majority of our clients, as well as to all Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to the land, sea and community. I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people today.
On behalf of the team at Driving Well Occupational Therapy and in the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Turrbul and Yuggera country, where our team live and serve the majority of our clients, as well as to all Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to the land, sea and community. I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people today.
