Driver refreshing shutdown triggers Queensland roadside trivia boom calls

Country travelers and one of Australia’s top exam masters is urging the Queensland government to strengthen «fatigue zone trivia» after a controversial decision to undermine driver boost sites.

The Department of Transport and Highways said it will stop funding all of the state’s 23 state-owned driver recovery sites next year, as they no longer comply with health and safety regulations.

With popular coffee, biscuit and chat spots on their way out, some seasoned tourists are clamoring for something to fill the void.

Showing signs of life

Kristy Mills and her husband Brendan are a couple of «full-time travelers» from Western Australia who got their first taste of Queensland’s roadside quiz show after wet weather forced them to head to Tambo.

Signs are located on certain highways in the state and have a simple but effective premise.

A sign has a trivial question, and to find the answer, drivers must keep their eyes on the next sign a few kilometers down the track.

Miss Mills said the discovery of highway junk came like a lightning bolt from the blue.

«At first we thought, are we reading it right?» said.

“Then came the sign with the clue, and we realized, yes, we were.

«I was taking pictures to show everyone in WA and everyone thought they were great.»

One of Australia’s best exam masters acknowledged.

Shark jumps aboard

Brydon Coverdale broke his teeth in 2014, earning more than $300,000 a Million Dollars Minute, and has since one of the expert «chasers» under the pseudonym «The Shark» on the hit TV game show The Chase Australia.

just forget [Queensland]»I want them in every state of the country,» he said.

“I think it’s good information, interesting facts, those are the kinds of things that might really grab your attention.

“It will keep people awake.

«And if there’s someone with them in the car, that leads to some discussion to find an answer.»

Mr. Coverdale said he had a few ideal questions to consider for any expansion of the program.

First, what is the shortest state line in Australia?

“Actually Victoria and Tasmania, believe it or not,” he said.

«There’s a small island in Bass Strait where the border crosses, like, 80 meters – officially the land border of Victoria and Tassie.

«This is one of the truths I love to spread.»

His other suggestion – Which famous Australian once owned the same turtle as Charles Darwin?

And yes, this is Charles Darwin, the British naturalist responsible for the theory of evolution by natural selection, who died in 1882.

«The answer is Steve Irwin, because these giant tortoises live so long,» Coverdale said.

“Charles Darwin bought a giant tortoise on one of his outings.

«After many years and many owners, it ended up in Australia Zoo.»

Harriet the Tortoise died in 2006 at the age of approximately 175.

«It blows your mind, doesn’t it?» said Mr Coverdale.

Let’s take the exam

It’s not just Australians who want the program to expand further.

Maureen Cameron, who runs a tourism company in Scotland, has just completed a six-month journey in Australia.

It included a 35-day caravan trip from Sydney to Cape Tribulation and back.

The roadside trivia signs were a revelation.

«Queensland was the best they could do with them on the way from Port Hedland to Broome in WA,» said Ms Cameron.

«I was hoping other states, even Scotland and England routes would be considered.»

A Department of Transportation and Major Roads spokesperson said roadside information signs have been placed along stretches of Bruce, Capricorn, Landsborough, Cunningham and New England highways.

“Trivia questions are developed by our district officers and are generally related to Queensland with a focus on the local area,” he said.

«Make sure you pay attention to these signs for a while. [regulated] fun.

He said it’s important to never drive tired or careless, always stick to the set speed limit, and drive in accordance with the conditions.

«We encourage drivers to take a break while driving and take action on any signs of fatigue,» he said.

Unfortunately for the Camerons, Millses and The Shark, there seemed to be no appetite for any large-scale support to the program in light of the shutdown of next year’s driver resurrection program.

«The signs on the Bruce Highway between Gympie and Miriam Vale were updated earlier this year,» the spokesperson said.

«There are no current plans for further upgrades.»