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Australia's worst drivers caught on camera

Western Australia's drivers have made headlines – and not the good kind – with police left shaking their heads and muttering “mind-boggling” after a high-tech camera trial captured more than 130,000 road offences in just six months. The cameras, rolled out across hotspots since January 26, have been snapping everything from missing seatbelts to mobile phone acrobatics, with one driver managing the feat of being caught 81 times. Police Minister Reece Whitby laid out the astonishing numbers in WA Parliament on Tuesday, describing the evidence as “quite astonishing” and the rate of offending as “astounding”. “I cannot believe that one driver has been caught offending 81 times,” he said, no doubt wondering if that driver even knows what a road rule is. In total, the AI-powered cameras – apparently more observant than some humans – spotted 50,000 people misusing seatbelts, and 75,000 using phones illegally. That’s 800 offences every single day. Makes you nostalgic for the days when traffic violations were rare enough to make dinner conversation. Among the greatest hits caught on camera: <ul> <li>A driver simultaneously drinking beer and using a mobile phone, while forgoing the inconvenience of a seatbelt.</li> <li>A motorist smoking a glass pipe (yes, that kind).</li> <li>Someone literally holding a child while driving.</li> <li>A P-plater outsourcing steering duties to their passenger.</li> <li>And a personal favourite: a driver cruising with their leg casually resting on the dashboard. Perhaps auditioning for Australia’s Got Lazy Limbs?</li> </ul> “These cameras are the most advanced in the country,” Whitby said, showing off images of offenders mid-disaster. “They capture multiple offending within the cabin of the vehicle.” Unfortunately, they can’t yet capture common sense. The Road Safety Commission backed the rollout, noting other states had seen massive behavioural shifts after similar tech went live. “Queensland saw nearly a 75 per cent drop-off in the first months after it introduced similar cameras,” said Commissioner Adrian Warner. “We are hopeful… there will be a significant shift in behaviour.” One could argue that shift should probably start before you're caught 50 times. For now, the cameras are still in “trial mode”, meaning over 44,000 caution letters have been issued instead of fines. But come October, the real fun begins – and by fun, we mean fines. A lot of them. “If this continues at the rate we’ve seen, we are going to see revenue roll in like we’ve never seen it before,” Whitby warned, “and I’ll be gladly spending it on more safety measures.” Translation: keep it up, and we’ll have gold-plated speed bumps and diamond-studded seatbelt reminders in no time. So buckle up (correctly), put the phone down, and maybe – just maybe – don’t smoke anything while driving. WA’s new cameras are watching, and frankly, they’ve seen enough. Images: WA Govt / Road Safety Commission

Legal

1200 children to undergo testing after child abuse charges laid

Warning: This article contains details of alleged child sexual abuse which may be distressing to some readers. More than 1,200 children are being urged to undergo precautionary health screening after a former childcare worker was charged with more than 70 offences relating to alleged child sexual abuse at a centre in Melbourne’s south-west. Joshua Dale Brown, 26, from Point Cook, has been charged over alleged sexual offences against eight children – aged between five months and two years – at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook, where he worked between April 2022 and January 2023. Victoria Police revealed Brown has worked at 20 childcare centres between 2017 and 2025, with investigations ongoing and additional allegations, including one involving a centre in Essendon, being pursued. Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said the case is “incredibly distressing”, describing the allegations as confronting and involving “some of our most vulnerable people in our community”. The charges laid against Brown include sexual penetration of a child, producing child abuse material, and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety. Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad began investigating in May after they allegedly uncovered child abuse material and executed a search warrant at Brown’s Point Cook home. He had not previously been known to police and held a valid Working with Children Check at the time of his employment. Police said the families of the eight alleged victims were notified last week. “As you can imagine, this was deeply distressing for the families to hear,” said Acting Commander Janet Stevenson, adding that not all centres where Brown worked are believed to be connected to the alleged offences. In a coordinated response, Victoria Police and the Department of Health have contacted more than 2,600 families whose children may have been at centres during Brown’s employment. About 1,200 children have been recommended for infectious disease testing “out of an abundance of caution”, authorities said. Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath said while the public health risk is low, the testing was being recommended due to a potential exposure risk during the relevant period. “We do understand this is another distressing element to the situation and we’re taking this approach as a precaution,” Dr McGrath said, assuring families that any infections could be treated with antibiotics and that there is no broader risk to the public. Letters sent to families on Tuesday stated: “At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that your child has been offended against. If this changes, you will be contacted directly by Victoria Police.” Support lines staffed by professionals have been established, and the government has promised free testing and assistance for affected families. G8 Education, the operator of the Point Cook centre, said it was “extremely distressed” by the allegations and is fully cooperating with authorities. In a statement, the company said all legally required employment and background checks were carried out during Brown’s employment. “G8 Education has no tolerance for any behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children,” the company said. Brown has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court in September. The investigation remains ongoing. Images: ABC News / Supplied

Caring

How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> We all like to imagine we’re ageing well. Now a simple blood or saliva test promises to tell us by measuring our “<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-shocking-biological-age">biological age</a>”. And then, as many have done, we can <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/07/25/entertainment/khloe-kardashian-40-learns-her-biological-age-is-28/">share</a> how “young” we really are on social media, along with our secrets to success. While chronological age is how long you have been alive, <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronological-aging">measures of biological age</a> aim to indicate how old your body actually is, purporting to measure “wear and tear” at a molecular level. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Cristiano Ronaldo is biologically 29 years old! 😱 CR7’s WHOOP stats put his body at 12 years younger than his actual age! 💪 Cristiano’s dedication to his health and longevity is second to none 👏 (Via <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cristiano</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/WHOOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHOOP</a>) <a href="https://t.co/PwKqc77031">pic.twitter.com/PwKqc77031</a> — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/1925894821203321009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a></blockquote> The appeal of these tests is undeniable. Health-conscious consumers may see their results as reinforcing their anti-ageing efforts, or a way to show their journey to better health is paying off. But how good are these tests? Do they actually offer useful insights? Or are they just clever marketing dressed up to look like science? <h2>How do these tests work?</h2> Over time, the chemical processes that allow our body to function, known as our “metabolic activity”, lead to damage and a decline in the activity of our cells, tissues and organs. Biological age tests aim to capture some of these changes, offering a snapshot of how well, or how poorly, we are <a href="https://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2022.1107">ageing on a cellular level</a>. Our DNA is also affected by the ageing process. In particular, chemical tags (methyl groups) attach to our DNA and affect gene expression. These changes occur in predictable ways with age and environmental exposures, in a process called methylation. Research studies have used “epigenetic clocks”, which measure the methylation of our genes, to estimate biological age. By analysing methylation levels at specific sites in the genome from participant samples, researchers apply predictive models to estimate the cumulative wear and tear on the body. <h2>What does the research say about their use?</h2> Although the science is rapidly evolving, the evidence underpinning the use of epigenetic clocks to measure biological ageing in research studies is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39743988/">strong</a>. Studies have shown epigenetic biological age estimation is a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5940111/">better predictor</a> of the risk of death and ageing-related diseases than chronological age. Epigenetic clocks also have been found to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770725001277?dgcid=rss_sd_all">correlate strongly</a> with lifestyle and environmental exposures, such as smoking status and diet quality. In addition, they have been found to be able to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8484046/">predict</a> the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Taken together, a growing body of research indicates that at a population level, epigenetic clocks are robust measures of biological ageing and are strongly linked to the risk of <a href="https://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2022.1107">disease and death</a> <h2>But how good are these tests for individuals?</h2> While these tests are valuable when studying populations in research settings, using epigenetic clocks to measure the biological age of individuals is a different matter and requires scrutiny. For testing at an individual level, perhaps the most important consideration is the “signal to noise ratio” (or precision) of these tests. This is the question of whether a single sample from an individual may yield widely differing results. A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00248-2">study from 2022</a> found samples deviated by up to nine years. So an identical sample from a 40-year-old may indicate a biological age of as low as 35 years (a cause for celebration) or as high as 44 years (a cause of anxiety). While there have been significant improvements in these tests over the years, there is considerable <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00248-2">variability</a> in the precision of these tests between commercial providers. So depending on who you send your sample to, your estimated biological age may vary considerably. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Khloé Kardashian, 40, learns her biological age after confessing bad eating habits <a href="https://t.co/vlipIl9Im2">https://t.co/vlipIl9Im2</a> <a href="https://t.co/s1zRdpht0K">pic.twitter.com/s1zRdpht0K</a> — New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1816322940532650399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote> Another limitation is there is currently no standardisation of methods for this testing. Commercial providers perform these tests in <a href="https://www.livescience.com/health/ageing/new-biological-aging-test-predicts-your-odds-of-dying-within-the-next-12-months">different ways</a> and have different algorithms for estimating biological age from the data. As you would expect for commercial operators, providers don’t disclose their methods. So it’s difficult to compare companies and determine who provides the most accurate results – and what you’re getting for your money. A third limitation is that while epigenetic clocks correlate well with ageing, they are simply a “<a href="https://frontlinegenomics.com/opinion-direct-to-consumer-epigenetic-tests-are-not-getting-enough-scrutiny/#:%7E:text=Companies%20claim%20that%20epigenetic%20variants,in%20the%20usual%20DTC%20scrutiny">proxy</a>” and are not a diagnostic tool. In other words, they may provide a general indication of ageing at a cellular level. But they don’t offer any specific insights about what the issue may be if someone is found to be “ageing faster” than they would like, or what they’re doing right if they are “ageing well”. So regardless of the result of your test, all you’re likely to get from the commercial provider of an epigenetic test is generic advice about what the science says is healthy behaviour. <h2>Are they worth it? Or what should I do instead?</h2> While companies offering these tests may have good intentions, remember their ultimate goal is to sell you these tests and make a profit. And at a cost of around A$500, they’re not cheap. While the idea of using these tests as a personalised health tool has potential, it is clear that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jun/13/biological-age-startups-why">we are not there yet</a>. For this to become a reality, tests will need to become more reproducible, standardised across providers, and validated through long-term studies that link changes in biological age to specific behaviours. So while one-off tests of biological age make for impressive social media posts, for most people they represent a significant cost and offer limited real value. The good news is we already know what we need to do to increase our chances of living longer and healthier lives. These <a href="https://theconversation.com/you-cant-reverse-the-ageing-process-but-these-5-things-can-help-you-live-longer-214580">include</a>: <ul> <li>improving our diet</li> <li>increasing physical activity</li> <li>getting enough <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/1/zsad253/7280269">sleep</a></li> <li>quitting smoking</li> <li><a href="https://theconversation.com/how-much-stress-is-too-much-a-psychiatrist-explains-the-links-between-toxic-stress-and-poor-health-and-how-to-get-help-222245">reducing stress</a></li> <li>prioritising social connection.</li> </ul> We don’t need to know our biological age in order to implement changes in our lives right now to improve our health. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257710/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hassan-vally-202904">Hassan Vally</a>, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-old-are-you-really-are-the-latest-biological-age-tests-all-theyre-cracked-up-to-be-257710">original article</a>. Image: Pexels / Cottonbro Studio </div>

Body

What is a blood cholesterol ratio? And what should yours be?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Have you had a blood test to check your cholesterol level? These check the different blood fat components: <ul> <li>total cholesterol</li> <li>LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol”</li> <li>HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “good cholesterol”</li> <li>triglycerides.</li> </ul> Your clinician then compares your test results to normal ranges – and may use ratios to compare different types of cholesterol. <iframe id="8KC9s" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8KC9s/6/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This is a broad term that includes disease of blood vessels throughout the body, arteries in the heart (known as coronary heart disease), heart failure, heart valve conditions, arrhythmia and stroke. So what does cholesterol do? And what does it mean to have a healthy cholesterol ratio? <h2>What are blood fats?</h2> Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat made in the liver and gut, with a small amount of pre-formed cholesterol coming from food. Cholesterol is found in all cell membranes, contributing to their structure and function. Your body <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513326/">uses cholesterol to make</a> vitamin D, bile acid, and hormones, including oestrogen, testosterone, cortisol and aldosterone. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it gets deposited into artery walls, making them hard and narrow. This process is called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherosclerosis">atherosclerosis</a>. Cholesterol is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513326/">packaged with</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triglyceride">triglycerides</a> (the most common type of fat in the body) and specific <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apolipoprotein">“apo” proteins</a> into “lipo-proteins” as a package called “very-low-density” lipoproteins (VLDLs). These are transported via the blood to body tissue in a form called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Excess cholesterol can be transported back to the liver by high-density lipoprotein, the HDL, for removal from circulation. Another less talked about blood fat is Lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a). This is determined by your genetics and <a href="https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/high-cholesterol">not influenced by lifestyle factors</a>. About one in five (<a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/may/lipid-management-and-implications-for-australian-g">20%</a>) of Australians are carriers. Having a high Lp(a) level is an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor. <h2>Knowing your numbers</h2> Your blood fat levels <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/high-blood-cholesterol">are affected by</a> both modifiable factors: <ul> <li>dietary intake</li> <li>physical activity</li> <li>alcohol</li> <li>smoking</li> <li>weight status.</li> </ul> And non-modifiable factors: <ul> <li>age</li> <li>sex</li> <li>family history.</li> </ul> <iframe id="S7Xp4" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/S7Xp4/1/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <h2>What are cholesterol ratios?</h2> Cholesterol ratios are sometimes used to provide more detail on the balance between different types of blood fats and to evaluate risk of developing heart disease. Commonly used ratios include: <h2>1. Total cholesterol to HDL ratio</h2> This ratio is used in Australia to <a href="https://www.cvdcheck.org.au/calculator">assess risk of heart disease</a>. It’s calculated by dividing your total cholesterol number by your HDL (good) cholesterol number. A higher ratio (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-ratio-calculator#how-to-calculate">greater than 5</a>) is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, whereas a lower ratio is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36589799/">study</a> of 32,000 Americans over eight years found adults who had either very high, or very low, total cholesterol/HDL ratios were at 26% and 18% greater risk of death from any cause during the study period. Those with a ratio of greater than 4.2 had a 13% higher risk of death from heart disease than those with a ratio lower than 4.2. <h2>2. Non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (NHHR)</h2> Non-HDL cholesterol is the total cholesterol minus HDL. Non-HDL cholesterol includes all blood fats such as LDL, triglycerides, Lp(a) and others. This ratio is abbreviated as NHHR. This ratio has been used more recently because it compares the ratio of “bad” blood fats that can contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) to “good” or anti-atherogenic blood fats (HDL). Non-HDL cholesterol is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31170997/">stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease risk</a> than LDL alone, while <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37228232/">HDL is associated with</a> lower cardiovascular disease risk. Because this ratio removes the “good” cholesterol from the non-HDL part of the ratio, it is not penalising those people who have really high amounts of “good” HDL that make up their total cholesterol, which the first ratio does. Research has suggested this ratio may be a stronger <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39949279/">predictor of atherosclerosis in women than men</a>, however more research is needed. Another <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39415313">study</a> followed more than 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes from the United States and Canada for about five years. The researchers found that for each unit increase in the ratio, there was around a 12% increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke or death. They identified a risk threshold of 6.28 or above, after adjusting for other risk factors. Anyone with a ratio greater than this is at very high risk and would require management to lower their risk of heart disease. <h2>3. LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio</h2> LDL/HDL is calculated by dividing your LDL cholesterol number by the HDL number. This gives a ratio of “bad” to “good” cholesterol. A lower ratio (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-ratio-calculator#how-to-calculate">ideal is less than 2.0</a>) is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. While there is lesser focus on LDL/HDL, these ratios have been shown to be predictors of occurrence and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35843962/">severity of heart attacks</a> in patients presenting with chest pain. If you’re worried about your cholesterol levels or cardiovascular disease risk factors and are aged 45 and over (or over 30 for First Nations people), consider seeing your GP for a Medicare-rebated <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-health-checks">Heart Health Check</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/253126/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erin-clarke-1314081">Erin Clarke</a>, Postdoctoral Researcher, Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-blood-cholesterol-ratio-and-what-should-yours-be-253126">original article</a>. Image: Everlabs </div>

Caring

"Game changer": Aussie women welcome new early-detection cancer test

Australian women will soon have access to a revolutionary blood test designed to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The innovative test, known as BREASTEST plus™, was developed by BCAL Diagnostics and is set to complement traditional breast cancer screening methods such as mammograms and ultrasounds. BCAL Diagnostics chair Jayne Shaw <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/public-health/australian-first-blood-test-to-help-early-detection-of-breast-cancer-comes-to-sydney-before-nationwide-rollout-c-18153750" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed to 7NEWS</a> that the development of the test had taken 15 years, describing it as a "game changer" for women worldwide. “The breast test is a game changer for all women everywhere because it’s a blood test to detect breast cancer alongside other diagnostic tools like ultrasound and a mammogram,” Shaw said. She pointed out that a similar blood test for prostate cancer, which has been available since 1989, has significantly improved clinical outcomes for men. “Early diagnosis for all cancers will lead to improved survivability rates, and it was only inevitable that a blood test would be developed to diagnose breast cancer earlier,” she added. One of the major advantages of the new blood test is its ability to detect breast cancer in women with high breast density. Around 40-50% of Australian women undergoing screening have high breast density, which can obscure abnormalities on mammograms and make diagnosis more difficult. With the ability to identify breast cancer markers, the blood test will provide a valuable additional tool for detecting cancers that might otherwise go unnoticed. Breast Cancer Network Australia director Vicki Durston welcomed the new test, especially for its potential to improve the reporting of high breast density cases, where cancers are often missed. “Breast Cancer Network Australia has long been calling for the uplift in the breast density statement nationally to see standardised reporting across the country,” Durston said. She also noted that while high breast density is just one of many risk factors, the new test represents an innovative step forward in improving early detection and treatment. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, accounting for approximately 28% of all new cancer cases. In 2024 alone, around 21,194 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, including 20,973 women and 221 men. However, survival rates have improved dramatically, with Australia’s peak breast cancer body reporting that the five-year survival rate has risen from 78% in 1994 to 92% in 2020, with many people living long and healthy lives beyond this period. While the test currently comes at an out-of-pocket cost, there is hope that the Australian government will eventually provide subsidies under Medicare to make it more accessible. The first tests will be available at the <a href="https://www.sydneybreastclinic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Breast Clinic</a> starting Thursday, followed by a rollout in Melbourne, with plans to expand nationwide by the end of the year. Images: Shutterstock / 7NEWS

Body

Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

If you're like me – and most Aussie drivers – I do my best to avoid being pulled over. I check my mirrors, stick to the speed limit (mostly), and keep my rego up to date. But for some "people" out there, the road rules are more of a vague suggestion than a requirement. Enter the sovereign citizen number plate fiasco – because what better way to invite the attention of the cops than slapping an illegal plate on your car? In Adelaide this week, one particularly bold Toyota driver decided to test the limits of both the law and common sense by cruising around with a number plate that simply read "PRIVATE". If that wasn’t enough to get the attention of South Australia Police, the plate also featured the cryptic phrase "Special Trust Security" below that in tiny letter. Because nothing says "totally legitimate vehicle" like an official-looking but entirely made-up title. A sharp-eyed local spotted this masterpiece of vehicular rebellion and did what any responsible citizen would do: posted it online for all of Australia to mock. "What the F are these? Surely not legal?" they asked, unknowingly triggering a flood of gleeful internet ridicule. "They're plates which will guarantee SAPOL will pull them over at their first opportunity," one commenter noted. Others speculated that the driver might be part of the ever-growing "sovereign citizen" movement – a loose collection of legal theorists whose main belief is that laws are just an optional lifestyle choice. SAPOL wasted no time <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-bizarre-number-plate-prompts-933-fine-warning-not-legal-010747837.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirming that these plates were, in fact, highly illegal</a>. Not just "a slap on the wrist" illegal – more like "here's a $933 fine before you even get to say 'but my rights!'" illegal. "These plates appear fake and are not plates that have been issued by SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. Translation: They might as well have written their rego number on a napkin. The online reaction was ruthless. "It’s the best way to show off your dreadful understanding of the law to an already disinterested police officer," one person quipped. Another called it "a sovereign citizen in the wild", while a third dubbed them "please pull me over plates". The internet, as always, did not disappoint. But this isn't a one-off. In 2023, a photo surfaced of a Holden in Queensland sporting an even more outlandish plate. This one featured the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", and even claimed that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine. Extra points for creativity, but again, zero points for legal accuracy. Even more baffling, the plate included a real registration number – in absurdly tiny print. Presumably for that tiny sliver of plausible deniability. While most of us are content to pay our rego and drive without incident, these rogue motorists seem determined to treat traffic laws like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Unfortunately for them, SAPOL isn't in the habit of playing along. So next time you see someone cruising around with an official-looking but entirely nonsensical number plate, just remember – they’re not just driving, they’re providing free entertainment for the rest of us. Images: Reddit

Legal

I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/hearing-health/resources/publications/one-in-six-australians-experience-hearing-loss-poster-0?language=en">One in six Australians</a> have hearing loss and, for most adults, hearing starts to decline from <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107720">middle age onwards</a>. Many of us, however, hesitate to seek help or testing for our hearing. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll be told to wear hearing aids, and envision the large and bulky hearing aids you might have seen on your grandparents decades ago. In fact, hearing aids have changed a lot since then. They’re often now very small; some are barely noticeable. And hearing aids aren’t the only option available for people experiencing hearing loss. <h2>Why you shouldn’t ignore hearing loss</h2> Acquired hearing loss can have a serious impact on our life. It is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2331216517734088">associated</a> with or can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29222544/">contribute</a> to: <ul> <li>social isolation</li> <li>loneliness</li> <li>not being able to work as much, or at all</li> <li>memory problems</li> <li>trouble thinking clearly</li> <li>conditions such as dementia.</li> </ul> Hearing loss has also been associated with depression, anxiety and stress. A <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/60/3/e137/5369884?redirectedFrom=fulltext">systematic review and meta-analysis</a> found adults with hearing loss are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression than those without hearing loss. A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768374">large population study</a> in the US found self-reported hearing loss was associated with: <ul> <li>higher levels of psychological distress</li> <li>increased use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, and</li> <li>greater utilisation of mental health services.</li> </ul> The good news is that doing something about your hearing loss can help you live a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36385406/">happier</a> and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00232-5/fulltext">longer</a> life. <h2>So why don’t people get their hearing checked?</h2> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17927921/">Research</a> has found adults with hearing loss typically wait ten years to seek help for their hearing. Less than a quarter of those who need hearing aids actually go ahead with them. Hearing declines slowly, so people may perceive their hearing difficulties <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">aren’t concerning</a>. They may feel they’re now used to not being able to hear properly, without fully appreciating the impact it’s having on their life. Some people harbour <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">negative attitudes to hearing aids</a> or don’t think they’ll actually help. Others may have overheard their <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">partner, family or friends</a> say negative things or make jokes about hearing aids, which can put people off getting their hearing checked. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">Stigma</a> can play a big part. People often associate hearing loss with <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2353862">negative stereotypes</a> such as ageing, weakness and “being different”. Our recent <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2446480">research</a> found that around one in four people never tell anyone about their hearing loss because of experiences of stigma. Adults with hearing loss who experience stigma and choose not to disclose their hearing loss were also likely not to go ahead with hearing aids, we found. <h2>What are my options for helping my hearing?</h2> The first step in helping your hearing is to have a hearing check with a hearing care professional such as an an audiologist. You can also speak to your GP. If you’ve got hearing loss, hearing aids aren’t the only option. Others include: <ul> <li>other assistive listening devices (such as amplified phones, personal amplifiers and TV headphones)</li> <li>doing a short course or program (such as the <a href="https://shrs.uq.edu.au/active-communication-education-ace">Active Communication Education program</a> developed via University of Queensland researchers) aimed at giving you strategies to manage your hearing, for instance, in noisy environments</li> <li>monitoring your hearing with regular checkups</li> <li>strategies for protecting your hearing in future (such as wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, and not having headphone speakers too loud)</li> <li>a cochlear implant (if hearing loss is severe)</li> </ul> Hearing care professionals should take a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2190864">holistic approach</a> to hearing rehabilitation. That means coming up with individualised solutions based on your preferences and circumstances. <h2>What are modern hearing aids like?</h2> If you do need hearing aids, it’s worth knowing there are several different types. All modern hearing aids are extremely small and discrete. Some sit behind your ear, while others sit within your ear. Some look the same as air pods. Some are even completely invisible. These hearing aids are custom fitted to sit deep within your ear canal and contain no external tubes and wires. Some types of hearing aids are more expensive than others, but even the basic styles are discrete. In Australia, children and many adults are eligible for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/hearing-services-program/accessing/eligibility">free or subsidised hearing services</a> and many health funds offer hearing aid rebates as part of their extras cover. Despite being small, modern hearing aids have advanced technology including the ability to: <ul> <li>reduce background noise</li> <li>direct microphones to where sound is coming from (directional microphones)</li> <li>use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone, TV and other devices directly in your hearing aids.</li> </ul> When used with a smartphone, some hearing aids can even track your health, detect if you have fallen, and translate languages in real time. <h2>What should I do next?</h2> If you think you might be having hearing difficulties or are curious about the status of your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a hearing check. The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline and reduce other health risks. And rest assured, there’s a suitable option for everyone.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/250925/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbra-timmer-1199057">Barbra Timmer</a>, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Audiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-avoiding-a-hearing-test-because-i-dont-want-chunky-hearing-aids-what-are-my-options-250925">original article</a>. Image: Getty </div>

Hearing

Little-known road markings implemented to made roads safer

Aussie drivers could see a nationwide roll out of new road markings in an effort to improve road safety. While authorities continue to try to curb the number of people dying and being seriously injured on roads, many motorists have grown frustrated with state governments over the constant threat of hefty fines and the loss of demerit points. Authorities are now looking at alternative approaches to help reach the ambitious goal of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050, without further over-saturating roads with camera detectors. One new initiative, which is currently being trialed in Adelaide, is the introduction of new road markings intended to quickly grab the attention of drivers and alert them to a change up ahead without the threat of a fine or loss of demerit points. Known as 'dragon's teeth', the three-dimensional road markings are meant to "increase driver attention and create a sense of warning," leading road safety scientist at the University of Adelaide Mario Mongiardini told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-warned-as-little-known-road-markings-could-be-rolled-out-across-australia-003513352.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a>. If successful, the markings could be seen across the country, because they can be implemented "cheaply and quickly" by state authorities. The road markings, which are made of thermoplastic, are easy for councils and road authorities to implement and are designed to be durable and offer friction and grip for cyclists and motorcyclists. Mongiardini said inspiration for the markings came from Singapore, where they have adopted similar tactics. "They noticed drivers started to become much more compliant," Mario explained. "So that is one source of inspiration." Adelaide is not the only place they exist in Australia, with RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches, explaining "similar markings, without the 3D effect are used at school zones in other states such as NSW, where they indicate to drivers that there is an elevated risk and lower speeds may be more appropriate." Dr Chris Stokes, another researcher at the University of Adelaide, warned that the markings must be part of a multifaceted approach to road safety, with this specific road treatment thought to only work effectively if they're used sparingly. "You can't expect to have them around every corner, if that happens, people will quickly lose trust in the system," he explained. "They are not to be used where the environment speaks for itself." The markings are supposed to be used as a "complimentary" tactic, to work in tandem with reduced speed limits and changing the texture of roads too. "Hopefully if it's successful you may see them in some areas of Australia," Mongiardini said, but "don’t expect to see them all over the road, only where they are needed." Image credits: RAA

Legal

Driver reveals "surprising" way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine

An Aussie driver who copped a $410 fine and three demerit points after their passenger made a common seatbelt move has revealed how they argued his way out of the ticket. Numerous motorists have been fined in recent weeks over the little-known road rule, where the driver could be penalised if a passenger reclines their seat too far back. Aussie lawyer Hayder Shkara argued that the rule is "step too far" as well-rested passengers can help curb the growing rate of fatalities by taking over from fatigued drivers on long car trips. Shkara shared the story of how one of his followers had successfully overturned the seatbelt fine and demerit points on social media. "He applied for a review with the police, and he actually got approved," Shkara said. "In his review he focused on the fact that car manufacturers were allowed to import these vehicles with the ability to recline in the first place, and that if there was an actual issue with the vehicle in terms of its design, it should have been stopped at the importation basis. "[He] said to the police that they were practicing safe driving protocols by changing drivers and making sure that one driver was rested and at police actually withdrew the fine. He didn't have to pay anything, and he didn't get any demerit points." Shkara told Yahoo that "normally applications for review in traffic offences are extremely difficult to be successful in and there is a low margin of success." "What is the purpose of seat belts? It is for driver and passenger safety. But we all know that fatigue is a big problem for drivers, so if drivers are switching in and out, I believe that the safer thing to do is for one driver to have proper rest so they can continue to drive safely." He said he would also encourage others who receive a fine for the same offence to try and appeal their case, as the "review doesn't require you to pay any legal fees and it is worth a shot." Image: NSW Centre for Road Safety/ TikTok

Legal

Aussie drivers warned over little-known "speed fine trap"

Road authorities are warning drivers of a "speed fine trap" in the lead-up to school's return. In NSW, four back-to-back pupil free days will take place from February 1 until February 5, as teachers and staff prep for the new school year, with students set to return on the 6th. While there will be no kids on campus, school zones will be in operation on those days, with speed limits being enforced. "Pupil-free days continue to be a major speed trap for motorists," NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said. Last year, 2,184 fines for speeding were issued to drivers in just two days prior to term one. An average of 1,092 fines were issued between January 30 and 31 in 2024, which was almost double the daily average for February (598). Khoury added that motorists are at risk of being fined at almost twice the rate during pupil-free days, as most drivers are "oblivious" to the rule. "It is extremely frustrating when drivers who normally abide by the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones are fined on pupil-free days because they were oblivious to the fact that the speed limits applied despite their children not being at school," he said. "The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones and school zone speed limits have overwhelming public support — we just don’t want people inadvertently breaking the law and getting fined." He added: "Please be extra alert tomorrow as you drive through school zones as speed limits will apply." The number of pupil free days will increase from six days in 2024 to eight days in 2025. This includes the four pupil-free days on January 31 and February 3, 4 and 5. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

“Lesson learnt”: Expat fined for parking mistake

A British expat has copped a hefty fine after going against a "common sense" road rule. The man had just moved to Sydney and was visiting the famous beaches in Shoalhaven, NSW when he copped a $200 fine for parking on the wrong side of the road, facing against the direction of traffic flow. “Never heard of this before. It didn’t say anything about no parking and I’ve come back, and I’ve got a ticket, ” he said n the video posted on social media. While it is an offence in Australia, in the UK the parking technique is permitted, except at night. “Lesson learnt,” he ended his clip. The video received a lot of comments, with one asking the obvious question: “Didn’t you see what the other cars were doing?” Another added: “If the cars are all facing the one way, park that way. Why would you park facing the wrong way then all the other cars are facing the other way?” “Wasn’t it obvious?” a different person questioned. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important; width: 535px;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7462819112226540833&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40archoz_2025%2Fvideo%2F7462819112226540833&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-useast2a.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-useast2a-p-0037-euttp%2FogAIQEeARJOEnAQfRA5kCUnTbHGDECF1PRWDjH%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-useast2a-i-0068-euttp%2Fo0nbEYRzCBSwQAAwr8ARPoEAiB5iZIQdj0FCv.image%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1737849600%26x-signature%3DbzHLO2CQeaQN%252BZr1Nmm%252Fw5t8q1A%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Others told him that it was just "common sense" but he insisted that everyone in the UK parks in different directions” despite also driving on the left-hand side of the road. A few people explained why they think the rule exists. “I think it’s because to get out of that park you would have to drive into oncoming traffic,” one user suggested. “Maybe in the UK your lanes are small and this would be okay but 99 per cent of our roads are wide and this is not needed.” “And to get into that park in the first place, you have to drive on the wrong side,” another person pointed out. Some British commenters could relate to the man's mistake, saying: “I’ve been caught out doing this too,” and “It did my head in when I first moved here!” The penalty for parking in the wrong direction of travel can reach up to 257, and in school zones, this fine can increase to $330 plus two demerit points. <em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: TikTok

Money & Banking

Warning issued as drivers flout school zone rules

Motorists have confessed to speeding in school zones and using their phones while driving through drop-off areas, a new study has revealed. The study released by insurer AAMI on Wednesday, found that 56 per cent of primary school children in NSW are now driven or accompanied to and from school by an adult. Only 37 per cent of parents allow their children to travel to school independently or with peers, a huge shift compared to previous years, where nearly seven in ten Australians (69 per cent) regularly walked, biked, or scooted to and from school on their own. The main reason for this included dangerous driving behaviours by others, however, some parents have admitted to their own unsafe habits near schools. A quarter of the 1,000 survey respondents admitted speeding through school zones because they didn't notice signs. 12 per cent admitted to speeding through school zones when they don't see any children around, and others admitted to being distracted by their phone. A further 12 per cent admitted they do not always follow school 'Drop and Go' zone rules, with over 10 per cent having double parked or stopped in the middle of the road in front of their children's school. As children head back to school next week, AAMI Motor Claims Executive Manager Luisa Rose said the "findings indicate a generational shift" in how children are commuting to and from school. "With this shift in our approach to school travel we need to be aware children may not have road safety skills and awareness, increasing the risk of an accident occurring in a school zone," Rose said. "While understandably not everyone can walk, ride or scoot to school due to distance and time, one thing everyone can do is learn, and follow, is the road rules to ensure our children are safe when arriving at and leaving school." Russell White, chair and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation added that deaths among children aged zero to seven years has increased by 54 per cent last year compared to 2023. "This year, we hope to see a decrease in road fatalities especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help," he added. "AAMI's research findings revealed that Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe. "Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times." Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Big change for new buses after Hunter Valley crash

Australian buses and coaches fitted with seatbelts will soon be required to have announcements reminding people to buckle up, following the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that killed 10 people almost two years ago. On Tuesday, the federal government announced that the new rule will require these vehicles to include visual and audio alerts reminding passengers to buckle up, similar to those on airplanes. “Travelling by bus is one of the safest forms of transport in Australia, and these new audible and visual signage requirements will ensure this continues to be the case,” federal assistant Regional Development Minister Anthony Chisholm said. The government also announced it had closed a loophole where some buses with seats under 1m high were exempted from requiring seatbelts. Under the regulations, all new bus and coach models must comply by November 1, 2026, while existing models will need to make the changes by November 1, 2027. “These safety outcomes further improve what is generally regarded as the most stringent seatbelt rules for buses in the world,” Bus industry confederation chair Tony Hopkins said. “With seat belt usage currently as low as 7 per cent on some services, this provides a simple but powerful message that reminds bus passengers to fasten a seat belt. “After all, if a seat belt is provided in a bus it must be worn by law.” Image: Mino Surkala / Shutterstock.com

Domestic Travel

Even calm people can fly into a rage behind the wheel. Here’s how to curb your road rage – before it’s too late

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> If someone bumps into us on the footpath or in the mall, we’re generally quite forgiving. We instinctively apologise or step aside, and usually don’t scream at, stalk, or attack the other person. But put us in a car, and <a href="https://x.com/Boenau/status/1755234912540459059">something changes</a>. People who appear calm in everyday life suddenly tailgate, honk, or shout at strangers. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753524002467?casa_token=76NSmREtG8MAAAAA:yFEcndOLjARRfthZMFwOQ3UmPeqgJEwSuAvkaA51rH8fA7v8RzHDamohBhf8Ai7jb3Nrp98pz4I">Problems at work</a> or home can suddenly explode in the form of righteous anger toward other road users. Road rage <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457523000192">increases crash risk</a>, and victims of road rage incidents often have <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">children in the car</a> with them. So, why does driving <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437524000914?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">bring out the worst in us</a>? And more importantly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">what can we do about it</a>? <h2>Road rage remains common</h2> <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">Recent</a> <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">surveys</a> indicate road rage remains common in Australia. In September 2024, insurer NRMA <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">reported</a> a survey of 1,464 of its members in two states found many had witnessed road rage incidents such as: <ul> <li>tailgating (71%)</li> <li>drivers beeping other drivers (67%)</li> <li>drivers gesturing angrily at other drivers (60%)</li> <li>drivers deliberately cutting in front of other vehicles (58%)</li> <li>drivers getting out of their car to confront to confront another driver (14%)</li> <li>stalking (10%)</li> <li>physical assault (4%).</li> </ul> Another insurer, Budget Direct, <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html">reported</a> last year on a survey of 825 people that found about 83% had experienced shouting, cursing, or rude gestures from other people on the road (up by 18% since 2021). And of the female respondents, 87% reported they’d copped this kind of behaviour from other road users. Common triggers for driver anger include tailgating, perceived rudeness (such as not giving a “thank you” wave), and witnessing another person driving dangerously. Aggressive driving behaviours tend to be more common in <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.031918298391749">younger, male drivers</a>. Road rage is a global problem, with studies finding road rage remains common in places such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457509002012?casa_token=G4nhNdF3olAAAAAA:8tdP0GyMiwN4_n4fekvQB-EiUSLa8Q2sgbpMhfUNWh0w9YqeiWft1aPY2ZSFLngcSFZAHfMOQhA">Japan</a>, the <a href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/nearly-80-percent-of-drivers-express-significant-anger-aggression-or-road-rage/">US</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847805000884">New Zealand</a> and the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847898000096">UK</a>, but the degree varies significantly from country to country. <h2>Who is more likely to fly into a rage on the road?</h2> Some of us are more likely than others to fly into a rage while driving. One way researchers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722">measure</a> this is via a testing tool known as the <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/rokada/psyctest/driving.pdf">Driving Anger Scale</a>. Data from many studies using this test show drivers who are more prone to anger in general are <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/driving-anger-as-a-psychological-construct-twenty-years-of-resear">more likely to turn that anger into aggression</a>. They get annoyed by more things, are quicker to act on their feelings, take more risks, and as a result, are more likely to be involved in anger-related crashes. Research suggests that while female drivers experience anger just as much as male drivers, they are less likely to act on it in a <a href="https://www.turkpsikiyatri.com/PDF/C18S3/en/angerExpression.pdf">negative way</a>. Female drivers tend to feel more intense anger in certain situations, such as when <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722#f0010">faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions</a>, compared to their male counterparts. <h2>What can I do to reduce my road rage?</h2> In a car, we’re physically separated from others, which creates a sense of distance and anonymity – two factors that lower our usual social filters. Encounters feel fleeting. There’s a good chance you won’t be held accountable for what you or say or do, compared to if you were outside the car. And yet, we perceive the stakes as high because mistakes or bad decisions on the road can have serious consequences. This mix of isolation, stress, and the illusion of being in a bubble is a perfect recipe for heightened frustration and anger. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">Research</a> suggests techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy may help. These include learning to identify when you are starting to feel angry, trying to find alternative explanations for other people’s behaviour, using mindfulness and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001758">relaxation</a> and trying to move away from the trigger. The American Automobile Association also <a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Road-Rage-Brochure.pdf">suggests</a> you can reduce road rage incidents by being a more considerate driver yourself – always use your indicator, avoid cutting others off and maintain a safe distance from other cars. Try to stay calm when other drivers are angry, and allow extra time in your journey to reduce stress. If driving anger is a frequent issue, consider seeking support or <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anger-management">anger management resources</a>. Avoiding — or at least being aware of — <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847821002667">anger rumination</a> can make a big difference. This happens when someone replays anger-inducing events, like being cut off in traffic, over and over in their mind. Instead of letting it go, they dwell on it, fuelling their frustration and making it harder to stay calm. Recognising this pattern and shifting focus — like taking a deep breath or distracting yourself — can help stop anger from escalating into aggression. More broadly, public awareness campaigns highlighting the link between anger and risky driving could also encourage more drivers to seek help. The next time you get behind the wheel, try to remember the other driver, the cyclist, or pedestrian is just another person — someone you might pass on the street without a second thought. We’re often good at forgiving minor missteps in non-driving contexts. Let’s try to bring that same patience and understanding to the road.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244402/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/even-calm-people-can-fly-into-a-rage-behind-the-wheel-heres-how-to-curb-your-road-rage-before-its-too-late-244402">original article</a>. </div>

Mind

New road initiatives rolling out this year

Several new road initiatives are set to be introduced this year, as government plans to trial out new technology in 2025. From wireless solar powered signs advising motorists of new hazards to in-road pods that collect data on traffic volume and speed, these initiatives will be trialled on regional roads as part of the NSW government's $5 million Smarter Highways program. Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the road, which will activate the Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environment Systems (SHAVES) to warn drivers about hazards. The system will have self-adaptive electronic signage which will be able to predict events and advise motorist, including bad weather and animals approaching the road. The signs will communicate with each other using localised radio communications. The NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said that the introduction of the technology aims to "reduce risky driving actions such as not driving to the conditions". They are also trialling a new in-road 4G traffic counter device which can detect and provide info on vehicle volumes, speeds, road temperatures and system health among other information in real time. It is being trialled on the Great Western Highway at Kelso and the Newell Highway at Dubbo, with its use particularly important for the start and end of holidays and during special events. “The more information you can give to the motoring public about an incident early, the better,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told Yahoo News. “We’ve always said more needs to be done to alert people earlier when there is an incident. It gives them the time they need to make a judgement on whether they need to proceed along a different route, or delay their journey”. The NRMA supports the trials and introduction of the new technology, with Khoury saying: "the more we are relying on new technology to make our roads more efficient and safer, the better the outcome for the public.” Here are the five Smarter Highways trials this year 1. Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)- Self-adaptive electronic signage able to predict events and advise motorists of hazards. 2. Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer - 4G powered devices in the road to provide data on traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other issues. 3. Rural Intersection Activated Warning System - Road sensors advise motorists through Variable Speed Limit signs of a slow and large vehicle entering from a side road. 4. Improved local area traffic management during major disruptions 5. Permanent Congestion Management - Using radars and traffic signals to manage traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains. Image: NSW Govt

Domestic Travel

True meaning behind common Aussie road sign

Thousands of drivers past this Australian road sign every day - but very few know what it means. A confused motorist took to Reddit to share an image of the road sign they spotted on the Northern Territory's Stuart Highway, which featured a picture of a hand. He and and his travel companion assumed the sign meant there was a spot to wash your hands or windows nearby, however they were both wrong. The sign, which was part of a larger rest area sign, indicates there is Aboriginal artwork in the area. "According to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia), published in 'Road Sign Guidelines' issued 28/03/2023, it means 'Aboriginal Attractions'," one person commented "Yep, usually rock art or some other Aboriginal site," said another. It is often seen in national parks and is the same symbol used nationally. People shared their own hilarious assumptions with one writing: "Warning, jazz hands in 2km", while another commented: "Beware of swarming ants". "Love that it's for indigenous art, but my first thought was a warning to tourists to not put bare skin on the bitumen," another commented. Others admitted they never paid any particular attention to the sign. "Oh I've never seen this before! And think it's great. Honestly my brain went to kids craft area for some reason but why would a random regional picnic stop have a kids craft area," one wrote. "I genuinely thought someone had just spray painted the sign with their hand on it. i have never seen this," another commented. A third person added their own hilarious interpretation saying: "This is so cool, have never seen one of these before. I have to admit my first thought was 'car scene in the titanic' though." Image: Reddit/ Google

Domestic Travel

The heart research that could save fit and healthy Australians

Leading scientists at the <a title="https://www.hri.org.au" href="https://www.hri.org.au/" data-outlook-id="7561b6b0-1679-4cf1-aedd-c178db738113">Heart Research Institute</a> (HRI) are close to uncovering a new biomarker to identify people at risk of heart disease with a simple blood test, after a “good” gene was identified that causes the heart to enlarge with exercise. The world first discovery was led by one of Australia’s foremost heart scientists, Professor Julie McMullen, who is now leading HRI’s Heart Muscle Group to focus on developing new ways to prevent and treat heart attack and heart failure. “Our goal is to reproduce the actions of the ‘good’ genes in the diseased heart by mimicking the beneficial effects of exercise in a failing heart. We then use that information to develop new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease or heart failure,” Prof McMullen said. One person has a heart attack in Australia every 10 minutes, while one Australian dies from cardiovascular disease every 12 minutes. “Heart disease can happen to any of us. With increasing rates of obesity and type two diabetes, people are being affected by heart conditions at a much younger age, which can progress to heart attack and heart failure,” Prof McMullen said. “Current drugs are not very effective for improving heart function and quality of life, so it is important that we identify new therapies for patients with heart disease and heart failure.” A simple blood test could have helped someone like Warren Williams, who was a fit and healthy tri-athelete when he discovered he had atrial fibrillation. The Sydney father had to be fitted with a pacemaker, only to still suffer a massive cardiac arrest years later while on a run. “Doctors told me I should be dead, they said I shouldn’t have lived through it,” he said. "Somehow I miraculously survived, probably due to my fitness, but that we will never know. I was told I wouldn’t be able to run again, ride a bike, sing on stage, and possibly not even work again." The father is now on a mission to spread awareness about regular heart check-ups, especially for those people who feel fit and healthy. "Atrial Fibrillation affects people in many different ways - for some, everyday life and function becomes quite difficult, whereas in others, like myself, it can be a silent underlying condition with potentially life-threatening outcomes." Scientists are hoping to find the gift of research in their Santa stocking this festive season as HRI launches a targeted <a title="https://www.hri.org.au/donate-christmas-appeal" href="https://www.hri.org.au/donate-christmas-appeal" data-outlook-id="69ee70de-a228-4c82-9fb7-4efd2bcfa0b0">Christmas Appeal</a> to help Prof McMullen’s team ramp up their work to the next phase. “We know this biomarker is there and we are close to finding it, but it comes down to researchers getting time in the lab,” Prof McMullen said. “By donating, individuals can fund essential laboratory resources and high-tech equipment, accelerating the availability of life-changing treatments for those in need, said Prof McMullen. Image credits: Shutterstock

Body

Aussies reminded to look out for this lifesaving roadside marker

Aussie drivers are being reminded about a little-known roadside marker that could save your life. As the holiday season approaches, drivers have been reminded of the purpose of the small green circles that appear on roadside reflector poles. "With the holiday period fast approaching, I wanted to remind residents about green reflectors," federal MP Colin Boyce wrote over the weekend. "You may have noticed some green reflectors on guide posts beside the road on some highways. These indicate that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up soon so you can indicate your intentions early and be prepared," he said. The number of dots indicate the distance between you and the place you can pull over. Three dots mean that drivers are approximately 500 metres from a safe place to pull over, two means you're 250 metres away and one green circle appears just before the area. "The idea is from road safety advocate and B double truck driver Rod Hannifey, alerting drivers that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up," the Queensland MP added. "While the idea was originally intended for long haul truck drivers all road users can use them." Many Aussies have shared their enthusiasm for the highway initiative, and how important it was for caravan and motorhome drivers especially. "A lot more people need to know about this. Especially people with caravans," one woman commented. "Would love this all over Australia! There's nothing worse than driving at night with a screaming baby in the back who wants a feed and not knowing if it's a safe place to pull over," another said. Others have shared that they hadn't noticed the markings or realise what it meant. "Have asked a few people recently if they knew what these reflectors stood for, and not one knew. Explanation followed. Should be a compulsory question asked of caravaners," one local wrote. "One of the world's best kept secrets! Thanks," another said. Images: Truck Friendly/ Yahoo

Travel Tips

First driver fined under new road rules

The driver of a luxury car is believed to be the first person fined under new rules that requires high-powered vehicle owners to hold a special license. New legislation in South Australia came into force on December 1st this year that requires drivers of ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPV) to hold a U class licence. Drivers who flout the rules can be hit with six demerit points a maximum fine of $2,500 for the first offence, with the penalty for subsequent offences potentially leading to one year of imprisonment. On Monday, police in South Australia revealed a man driving a Lamborghini had been fined for allegedly breaching the new law on Sunday: the first day the legislation came into force. “About 7.30am on Sunday 1 December, police stopped a Lamborghini Huracan on Queensborough Ave, Hillcrest after noticing it was not bearing a rear number plate,” a South Australia Police spokesman wrote in a media release. “The officer identified the vehicle as being classed as an UHPV however checks on the man’s licence revealed that he did not have the required ‘U’ class licence endorsement." “A 36-year-old man from Evandale was issued with an expiation notice for driving with an expired licence for that class of vehicle.” The requirement for the licence was introduced following the death of Sophia Naismith, according to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. In 2019, Sophia Naismith, 15, and her friend were struck luxury Lamborghini after the luxury car mounted the kerb and hit the teenagers before crashing into a restaurant. The Naismiths campaigned for changes and they were introduced, with Attorney-General Kyam Maher saying: “If you drive an ultra high-powered vehicle, you need to go through training to have that accredited on your licence.” Image credits: South Australia Police

Legal

"About time": Coles bold parking move sparks debate

Frustrated staff at a Coles-owned bottle shop in Brisbane have taken matters into their own hands and retaliated against drivers flouting parking rules outside their store. Management at a First Choice Liquor Market store in Newstead have locked in cars taking advantage of the customer-only spaces. It is understood that some cars remain parked in the 15-minute spots for extended periods, sometimes overnight, despite signs saying that fines apply. A photo shared on Facebook showed a car with P-plates blocked in by a yellow bollard and note that read: "Due to you not adhering to the parking rules, your vehicle has been locked in by management and will be kept on record." "Please see First Choice management to discuss your options". A local woman who shared the photos said there "were at least two other cars locked in" when she was passing by this week. Locals were divided by the store's actions, but many supported their decision. "About time. Pub takes all the spaces," one said. "I’ve been there when the store opens and there have been no car spaces available". "Don’t park where you shouldn’t. It’s simple," another added. A third said it was "about bloody time" something was done about the parking. However, a few others had a more understanding approach, with one local saying that the limited parking in a large apartment complex across the road could be contributing to the limited parking. Another suggested the staff had gone too far, noting the importance of being able to "flee" in a hurry, particularly in violent situations. "The thought of their vehicle being blocked in by bollard, should an unthinkable situation arise, is horrific to think of," she said. "While I understand this would be frustrating for your shop, it could be putting someone’s life in danger — as another perspective to think of." Coles have responded to the management's actions explaining that their commitment to customers means providing "parking and clear access to our stores." "The Newstead store carpark is owned by Coles and has signage throughout the carpark informing locals about parking time restrictions which are also painted on the parking bays," a Coles spokesperson told Yahoo News. "To ensure we are making our stores more accessible for customers, our store team may use its discretion to remind the community of the parking rules.” Images: Facebook

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