RACQ is taking road safety lessons out of the classroom and into the family car after new research revealed many parents feel stressed and unprepared to teach learner drivers.
The study highlights the pressure parents face, with many admitting they fear being in a crash and struggle to stay calm, confident and constructive during driving lessons.
RACQ coaching and development specialist, Tiffany Boyd, said while learning to drive is a major milestone for young Queenslanders, it can be daunting for parents guiding them.
“Parents tell us they feel unprepared to take on the role of instructor, yet they play a critical role in teaching young Queenslanders how to drive,” Boyd said.
Drivers aged 16 to 24 are up to 60 percent more likely to be involved in a serious crash than older motorists.
The research found confidence drops in highpressure situations, with 44 per cent unsure how to respond in a crash and 35 per cent struggling with distracting passengers.
Oil prices shock people into EV online searches
By Tauel Harper, Associate Professor in Communications and Media, Murdoch University
US military action in Iran may have triggered an unexpected shift far beyond geopolitics, accelerating interest in electric vehicles and challenging the longstanding dominance of petrol-powered cars.
Like the oil shocks of the 1970s that pushed motorists towards smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are again reshaping consumer behaviour.
Concerns around supply through the Strait of Hormuz have sent oil prices higher, with immediate flow-on effects at the bowser.
Google Trends data shows Australian interest in electric vehicles surged sharply as the crisis unfolded. Searches for “electric vehicles” on March 23 were nearly three times higher than on February 27, the day before US strikes began, representing a 278 percent increase.
The relationship between petrol prices and EV interest is well established. Historical data shows spikes in fuel costs consistently drive increased online searches for electric vehicles.
invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Even after oil prices settled, interest in EVs remained elevated, pointing to a growing awareness of energy security and the appeal of locally generated power such as rooftop solar.
car culture. Enthusiast attachment to engine performance and sound also continues to slow adoption. However, the latest data suggests these cultural barriers may be outweighed by economic reality.
While interest often softens as prices stabilise, it rarely returns to previous levels, suggesting each price shock leaves a lasting behavioural shift. A similar pattern followed Russia’s
Recent research into Australian attitudes to EVs shows barriers remain, including concerns about driving range, charging infrastructure, gender perceptions and entrenched
Australians are, at heart, pragmatic consumers. If electric vehicles offer a way to reduce household costs, particularly during periods of high fuel prices, interest follows quickly.
The trend also sends a warning to car manufacturers that have hesitated on electric models. Some global brands, including Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari, have recently signalled a slowdown in EV production, while Toyota has maintained a cautious approach in Australia with limited fully electric
If fuel prices continue to rise, those decisions may come under renewed
Although EV sales dipped gures show strong growth returning. Sales in February 2026 were already 95 percent higher than the same time last gures are expected to climb further. Technological change is en gradual until it reaches
With petrol prices rising again and more households generating their own energy, electric vehicles may be approaching that critical mass, shifting from niche alternative to mainstream choice.
Image: murdoch.edu.au
Staying local makes sense as fuel costs rise
By Juan Perez, Maleny Accident Repair Centre
AS fuel prices continue to bite, many Hinterland residents are rethinking the cost of travelling off the range for services they can access closer to home.
Smash repairs are one area where staying local can make practical and financial sense. Maleny Accident Repair Centre has become a trusted option for locals wanting quality
repairs without the added expense of long-distance travel. Based in Maleny, the business provides accident repairs, panel beating and spray painting for drivers across the Hinterland, saving customers both time and fuel.
For many households, the issue is not only convenience but value. Choosing a local repairer can reduce travel costs and keep business within the community. More importantly, local
businesses help keep the community strong. Every dollar spent locally has a ripple effect, helping create jobs, support families, and strengthen the local economy.
That local connection is part of what sets businesses like Maleny Accident Repair Centre apart. As a family-owned operation, it supports community groups including the Men’s Shed and local junior soccer teams, reflecting the role small businesses play beyond the services they provide.
At a time when budgets are under pressure, staying local is about more than saving on petrol. It is about backing businesses that employ local people, support local organisations and continue investing in the Hinterland itself. Maleny Accident Repair Centre can also help with the insurance side too, and every repair is backed by their lifetime warranty.
Avoid the Easter breakdown
AS the Easter school holidays approach, many families are preparing to hit the road for well-earned breaks. Despite rising fuel prices, people are eager to enjoy camping trips or visit family. Before setting off, taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference to a safe and stress-free journey.
Local workshop Glasshouse & Landsborough Automotive is reminding motorists that basic vehicle checks are essential during this busy travel period. Ensuring tyres are properly inflated not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances handling and
safety. Drivers should also check oil and coolant levels, as low fluids can lead to overheating and costly damage.
It’s equally important to avoid common oversights, such as leaving interior lights on, which can quickly drain a battery. On the road, sticking to speed limits and adjusting driving to suit weather conditions remains critical, particularly with increased holiday traffic.
These practical tips come from a team that knows vehicles inside and out.
Operating from a modern workshop in Landsborough, the business has built a strong reputation for reliability and care. With
more than 60 years of combined experience, owners Michael Beck, Felicity Beck and Callum Sharpe continue to deliver high-quality servicing across all makes and models. Their services range from logbook servicing and diagnostics to brakes, suspension and air conditioning, all backed by a 12-month or 20,000km guarantee.
If you have any concerns about your vehicle, booking a professional service could prevent unwanted breakdowns. A quick check today can help ensure your travels are smooth, safe and worry-free.
Fresh look same trusted service!
Beerwah locals still trust the expert team behind shed
Tried and trusted by generations of locals already, book in with the team that is here to stay.
Check your spare and see that it is inflated and in good condition.
If your tyres are in good condition still check tyre pressure before a trip. This can be done at the local service station and your car manual will advise as to the air pressure your tyres should run at. With QLD weather your tyres are an important part of staying safe in the wet.
*If you are a customer of ours we check tyres each service and will alert you when new tyres are necessary.
• Regular servicing and inspections are critical for safe and reliable motoring.
Check when your next service is due. Generally you will have a sticker on driver side of windscreen alerting you to the kms
Ben’s top road trip tips
on your car when next service is due. If it is on or around your planned trip always book your car in well in advance, then any routine maintenance can be carried out and any issues presenting can be addressed.
*If you are a customer of ours you will receive a text when your next service is approaching.
• Wiper blades Often overlooked but very important are your wiper blades! If you’ve ever been caught in a heavy downpour on the Bruce Highwayyou know! Clean your windscreen and ensure your wiper blades are working well.
• Check your lights are all working.
• Check your engine oil and coolant levels. Lastly, don’t ignore anything unusual, noises or in the way it drives - your car is telling you something is wrong! Bring it in if you are worried, we are here to help.
