The Australian Associated Motor Insurance (AAMI) has partnered with digital music service provider Spotify to launch a new driver safety campaign in time for the Easter break.
According to AAMI's research, younger drivers are not taking regular driving breaks that would help them stay alert on the road. In fact, only one-fifth of drivers aged 18 to 24 said they took regular breaks every two hours on a long trip in the past year. Alarmingly, one in 10 respondents said they had a microsleep while driving during the same period, or worse, had driven into another lane or oncoming traffic.
The new campaign with Spotify, ‘AAMI Rest Towns,’ aims to make road trips more enjoyable and safer by keeping drivers alert. It enables users to choose a trip, and then the app drops pins to identify a selection of “rest towns” located enroute. Upon approach, drivers hear an audio message prompting them to pull over, rest, and visit a local attraction.
“We're particularly targeting younger drivers this Easter through a personalised playlist on Spotify. This also helps them discover some of Australia's hidden gems, such as an iconic landmark, a secluded beach, or a picturesque town selling the perfect pie,” said Kahl Dwight, executive manager of motor claims at AAMI.
“With border restrictions eased, many young drivers may be embarking on their first road trip. We want it to be fun while also encouraging younger drivers to adopt safer behaviours of stopping regularly.”
AAMI Rest Towns features 69 towns in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White said he hoped young Australian drivers will use AAMI Rest Towns and focus on road safety rather than arriving at a destination faster.
“We know fatigue is a contributing factor to road trauma, so make sure you're well-rested by taking regular breaks every two hours, and if possible, share the driving with other passengers,” White said.
Road conditions are going to be really different over Easter, so expect more traffic and prepare to be patient.
“Most importantly, make sure you don't drive at times when you'd normally be sleeping. This is particularly important for young drivers who won't have much long-distance driving experience. They will also have reduced driving skills due to spending less time behind the wheel during the pandemic, which puts them at heightened risk for a crash.”
Dash cam manufacturer Nextbase is also urging Australians to be more cautious on the road, noting its recent survey results showing that the chances of being in a car accident have increased in metropolitan cities by up to 12% compared to regional areas.
