A QUT design student was inspired by his own experience to create a road safety campaign now on display on billboards and in retail spaces throughout Brisbane and Queensland and says the impact of the project has also made him a better driver.
Wira Mandala, a third year Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) student, came up with his ‘Within The Limit’ concept for the 2023 Re:act road safety program, which this year had the theme of ‘Safer Speeds’.
Now in its eighth year, more than 1000 Australian communication and graphic design students have completed the Re:act program, which has raised awareness and changed behaviours among young Australian drivers across a range of topics.
The 2023 Re:act program engaged with communication students at universities in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and WA, as well as graphic design students at TAFE colleges in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, WA and South Australia. Wira’s design was the selected university campaign for Queensland.
The campaign aims to educate 17–25-year-old road users about why it is important to drive below posted speed limits and drive to the road conditions to reduce crashes, improve road safety and protect the lives of all road users.
“I drew on my own experiences as a young driver and the driving behaviours of my peers to create ‘Within the Limit’ using simple and direct messaging and an image that reinforced the highest posted state speed limit – 110km,” Wira said.
“Ideally, it will give a strong message about safe driving practices among young drivers to promote a shift in attitudes towards speeding. I am asking people to commit to drive at safer speeds and create a future where everyone can reach their destination safely.
“As someone who enjoys driving, my experience participating in Re:act has heightened my awareness on the road, giving me a better understanding of safer speeds, and ultimately making me a more conscientious and safer driver.
“It has been an absolute pleasure collaborating with the Re:act team and program partners to create and promote this campaign, which has proved instrumental in my growth as a designer. Their constructive feedback was invaluable in refining my designs and addressing areas for improvement.”
Melanie Finger, Senior Lecturer in Transdisciplinary Design and the Academic Lead Engagement for QUT’s School of Design, said the Re:act program gave students ‘real world’ experience of engaging with multiple stakeholders and the chance to make a difference in a way that could help save lives.
“Wira and other QUT students who have participated in the Re:act program this year and in the past have gained skills and knowledge that will be invaluable in kick-starting their careers,” she said.
“It’s a collaboration QUT is proud to partner in – it doesn’t just benefit our students but has the potential to change behaviours in a very positive way. If Wira’s campaign stops just one young person making a terrible mistake; you really can’t put a price on that.”
CEO and founder of Re:act, Andrew Hardwick, said the topic was a challenging brief for students this year.
“We asked them to create campaigns that went beyond a traditional ‘slow down’ message, educating drivers that speed limits are set for the safety of all road users and should be adhered to, and that road and weather conditions need to be considered when choosing your speed,” he said.
“The Re:act program is a unique collaboration. Without the commitment of Universities and TAFEs, industry, government, and oOh!media, this critical experience of the students and the vision of the broader public seeing and being influenced by the thoughts and ideas of young minds would just not be possible.”
The 2023 Re:act campaigns will run across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide in August and September.
Main image: QUT design student Wira Mandala (inset) with his Re:act road safety campaign concept
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 3151, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
