A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher has joined forces with Sunshine Coast based insurance company Youi to produce a series of short online videos aimed at promoting road safety.

Dr Bridie Scott-Parker, who is the Leader of USC’s Adolescent Risk Research Unit, stars in the series, Road Safety Shorts with Dr Bridie, that was launched yesterday on Youi’s website.

Dr Scott-Parker said the first episode, which explains why school zones have a speed limit of 40km/h, was particularly timely given that children have returned to school this week after a mid-year break.

The series comprises 1-2 minute videos in which Dr Scott-Parker leverages her research to suggest practical risk-reduction strategies. Some videos also utilise Youi’s claims data to bring road safety issues to light.

“The Road Safety Shorts are all about making the roads safer for everyone, from pedestrians and cyclists to drivers and passengers,” Dr Scott-Parker said. “The videos bring road safety research to life in an interesting way, and without any scientific mumbo-jumbo.

“People can also access the videos anytime and anywhere, and there will be opportunities to ask questions, raise topics, and chat with me online.”

Youi CEO Frank Costigan said his company was committed to working with its customers and the community at large to reduce the risk of incidents.

“We can each try a little bit harder to make our roads a whole lot safer,” he said. “That’s why we’ve partnered with Dr Scott-Parker to deliver a broad range of road safety tips in bite-sized chunks.

“These videos highlight some of the incredible research Dr Scott-Parker is doing right here on the Sunshine Coast and have been created to serve our shared vision of helping people stay safe on the roads.”

Road Safety Shorts with Dr Bridie can be viewed on the Youi website.

— Terry Walsh