Putting Aussies to the test: How much do we really know about road safety?
How much does rain really affect your stopping distance? How much space should you leave when merging in front of a truck? And how much more dangerous is a crash at 90km/h compared to 80km/h?
As part of Road Rules Awareness Week, starting today (18 August), Transport for NSW has launched a new online tool designed to challenge what Australians think they know about road safety.
The Road Safety Learning Lab is the first tool of its kind in Australia – an interactive website built to test, refresh and grow road safety knowledge for everyone aged 16 and over.
Bernard Carlon, Chief for the Centre for Road and Maritime Safety, said while other road safety online tools exist in Australia, the Road Safety Learning Lab is the first of its kind to address key safety challenges for all users – including pedestrians, bicycle riders, motorcyclists and drivers – across all levels of experience.
“It’s easy to become complacent about road rules and assume you know everything there is to know about driving, riding, or getting around safely on foot. But the Road Safety Learning Lab challenges those assumptions with real data and insights,” Mr Carlon said.
“Learning plays a major role in empowering people to make smart, safe, and confident decisions, not just in everyday situations, but when the more unexpected scenarios arise.”
To support this, crash data has been used to inform the content and graphics across the site, helping ensure the scenarios reflect emerging trends and behaviours seen on our roads.
As of mid-2025, 30 more people have tragically lost their lives on NSW roads compared to the same time last year. This serves as a call to revisit the basics to keep everyone safer.
The website features:
- Crash test simulations based on real-world tests and data from Transport’s world-class facilities, Crashlab and Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre
- Interactive quizzes to test and challenge knowledge
- “How-to” videos and step-by-step guides
- Powerful personal stories from people affected by road trauma
Development of the Road Safety Learning Lab involved several focus groups of everyday road users whose feedback shaped the content and user experience. Participants described the website as “confronting but necessary”, “eye-opening” and a “wake-up call”.
“This resource isn’t just for learner drivers, it’s for anyone who uses the road. Everyone has something to learn, and that knowledge could save a life,” Mr Carlon said.
To explore the Road Safety Learning Lab and test your knowledge, visit: nsw.gov.au/roadsafetylearninglab.