When a storm or Tropical Cyclone impacts mainland Australia, would you get behind the wheel of a vehicle?
New Griffith University research has explored this question by analysing driver behaviour during the four most extreme days of Tropical Cyclone Alfred – 6-9 March 2025.
Dr Matt Stainer from the MAIC Griffith University Road Safety Research Collaboration at Griffith’s School of Applied Psychology surveyed 319 drivers with results showing 29.47 per cent of people drove at some point during 6-9 March.
Of the 310 people who reported driving, 1.94 per cent drove every day, 6.45 per cent drove three days, 7.42 per cent drove two days, and 11.60 per cent drove one day.
The number of people driving decreased from Thursday to Saturday, the day Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall, but it increased again on Sunday.
Dr Stainer said participants reported a range of reasons for travelling during the four-day period.
“Reasons given were for essential trips for food and safety, but also for non-essential outings such as going to the gym or popping out for a coffee,” he said.
“In the lead up to Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s project landfall, most trips were for food and supplies as people prepared for the storm.
“Friday saw an increase in visits to family and friends, either due to power outages at their own homes, or checking on others.
“Work trips declined on Friday and Saturday, possibly reflecting business closures during this time.”
Other reasons provided included leisure and recreation, damage assessment, and shelter and safety.
Dr Stainer hoped the insights from the research would be used to guide public safety messaging, support emergency planning, and help reduce road risks in future extreme weather events.
“We found the number and nature of trips changed throughout the approach, crossing, and aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” he said.
“Most driving in the buildup was for necessary tasks, such as gathering supplies and helping friends and family to prepare.
“When the storm was at its worst, trips tended to be for more serious reasons such as evacuating from flooding or power loss, or to help others in urgent need.
“In the aftermath, things returned to ‘normal’ quickly with people completing less critical tasks such as going to survey the damage to the beaches.
“When the weather eased, people seemed to become far less cautious – but this is actually a very dangerous time as floodwater, debris left by the storm, and power outages to traffic lights meant many participants were surprised by how hazardous driving was.
“Being storm-ready, reducing trips to only those that are necessary (including after the event has ‘finished’), and checking Transport Main Roads and the BoM websites for advice before heading out can help people to be safer on the roads.
“We also need to be especially understanding and considerate of other road users.
“Many people told us they were anxious to be on the road, but their trips were unavoidable.
“At times of heightened stress, it is most important we work together to keep our community safe on the road.”
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Matt Stainer
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