Road Safety Notes

Safety

Term 2

Understanding the Importance of Road Safety, Health, and Wellbeing

• Road safety is vital for individual health and wellbeing.

• Accidents can lead to injuries, disabilities, and fatalities.

• A strong understanding of road safety principles and practices can help individuals make informed choices to protect themselves and others.

Social Responsibility

• Being a responsible road user is a social obligation.

• Involves respecting the law and being mindful of others on the road.

• Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders all share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe.

Glossary

• Students to complete glossary for homework

  • Here is a complete glossary for your homework with clear and student-friendly definitions:

    Glossary

    • Causal Factors

    Things that directly contribute to an event happening. In road safety, these are the reasons why a crash occurs (e.g. speeding, fatigue, alcohol use).

    • Poly drug

    The use of more than one drug at the same time or one after another, which can increase their harmful effects.

    • Fatality

    A death caused by an accident or disaster, such as a road crash.

    • Stimulant

    A type of drug that speeds up the messages between the brain and the body, making people feel more alert and energetic. Examples include caffeine and amphetamines.

    • Fatigue

    Extreme tiredness that affects a person’s ability to concentrate and react, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when driving.

    • Hallucinogen

    A drug that causes people to see, hear, or feel things that aren’t real. Examples include LSD and magic mushrooms.

    • Hazard

    Something that could cause harm or danger, like a slippery road or a distracted driver.

    • Depressant

    A drug that slows down the brain and body’s responses. Alcohol and sleeping pills are common examples.

    • Intoxicated

    Being affected by alcohol or drugs to the point where it impairs physical and mental abilities, especially dangerous when driving.

    • Illicit

    Illegal or not allowed by law. An illicit drug is one that is banned for use, possession, or sale.

    • Occupant

    A person inside a vehicle, whether they are the driver or a passenger.

    • Assertive

    Standing up for yourself in a respectful and confident way. In driving, it means being clear and firm while staying safe and courteous.

    • Provisional

    A temporary or learner licence that allows someone to drive with certain restrictions while they gain experience.

    • BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

    A measure of how much alcohol is in a person’s bloodstream. It’s used to determine if someone is legally allowed to drive.

    • Trauma

    Serious physical or emotional injury caused by a crash, violent event, or distressing experience.

Major Risk and Safety Concerns for Young People

1. Speeding – Driving too fast reduces control and increases crash risk.

2. Driver Distraction – Using phones, talking to friends, or changing music while driving.

3. Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol or drugs affect judgement, reaction time, and coordination.

4. Not Wearing a Seatbelt – Increases chance of serious injury or death in a crash.

5. Fatigue – Driving while tired can be as dangerous as drunk driving.

6. Inexperience – New drivers may not know how to react in dangerous situations.

7. Peer Pressure – Feeling pressured to show off, speed, or take risks with friends in the car.

Young People Face Unique Road Safety Challenges

• Including limited experience, risk-taking behaviors, and reduced perception of potential dangers.

• Inexperience

  • Limited driving skills, slower reaction times, and insufficient understanding of complex traffic situations

• Risk-Taking Behaviors

  • Tendency to speed, distracted driving, peer pressure, and overconfidence in driving abilities

• Impaired Driving

  • Higher likelihood of driving under influence of alcohol, drugs, or while fatigued

• Technology Distractions

  • Smartphone use, social media engagement, and in-car digital interactions while driving

• Understanding and addressing these risks is crucial for developing safer, more responsible young road users.

Young People on the Road

• Injury is the leading cause of death among Australian youth, surpassing all other causes

• Road traffic crashes account for half of all youth injury deaths in Australia

• Indigenous youth face a staggering road injury death rate 5 times higher than non-Indigenous youth

• Road traffic crashes dominate youth hospitalizations: nearly half involve drivers, another quarter are passengers

• Young drivers (17-25 years) represent 25% of road deaths despite comprising only 10-15% of licensed drivers

• A 17-year-old P1 licence holder is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers over 26

• Speeding is the primary cause of young driver fatalities, with males comprising 80% of victims

• One-third of fatal crashes involving speeding involve males aged 17-25

• Young drivers are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors like drink-driving, not wearing seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving

• Inexperience, overconfidence, and a tendency to underestimate risks all contribute to the higher crash rates among young drivers

Causal Factors of Road Incidents

• Human Factors

  • Misjudgment of speed, distance, and road conditions leading to incorrect decision-making while driving

• Environmental Factors

  • Adverse weather, poor road infrastructure, inadequate signage, and unexpected obstacles affecting driver performance

• Vehicle Factors

  • Brake malfunctions, tire failures, steering issues, and other technical problems that can cause unexpected incidents

Activity

• • Human: Speeding, Distracted driving, Driver inexperience, Drug use, Mobile phone, Unaware of car power4

  • Environmental: Wet roads, Wild life, Potholes, Fog, Sun

  • Vehicle: Bald Tyres, Poorly maintained brakes

Read the Article and Answer the Following Questions

• Young Drivers

• • Question 1: Explain why you think more accidents happen when young drivers have passengers?

  More accidents happen when young drivers have passengers because they can easily get distracted. They might talk, play music loudly, or even encourage risky driving to show off. Young drivers also don’t have much experience, so when they try to multitask, like driving and socialising, it increases the chances of making mistakes or reacting slowly in dangerous situations.

  • Question 2: What are the common themes in the two stories?

  The common themes in the two stories include peer pressure, risk-taking, and the consequences of poor decisions. Both stories likely show how the influence of friends and the desire to impress others can lead to dangerous situations, especially for young drivers. They also highlight how one bad choice on the road can have serious or even life-changing results.

• • Question 3: Why do you think males are more likely to take risks on the road?

  Males are more likely to take risks on the road because of a mix of social and psychological reasons. They might feel pressure to appear tough, confident, or fearless in front of their friends. Hormones like testosterone can also influence more aggressive or impulsive behaviour. Some males may enjoy the thrill of speeding or breaking rules without fully thinking about the consequences.

• Learner and provisional P1 (Red P) drivers must not drive faster than 90 km/h True / False

  • True

• Learner drivers are permitted to tow trailers, boats and caravans True / False

  • False

• Provisional P2 (Green P) drivers can speak on the phone through hands-free mode True / False

  • False

• Provisional P2 (Green P) drivers must not drive faster than 100 km/h True / False

  • True

• Provisional P1 drivers over 25 are not permitted to drive with more than one passenger under 21, between 11pm and 5am True / False

  • False

• Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders must not use a mobile phone at all while driving. This includes phones in the hands-free mode, with the loud speaker operating or sending text messages. True / False

  • True

• Learner or provisional drivers who speed by more than 30km/h over the limit face immediate suspension and licence confiscation by police. True / False

  • True

• P1 drivers under 25 are not permitted to drive with more than one passenger under 21 between the hours of 11pm and 5am True / False

  • True

Article Analysis: Road Safety Insights

• After reading the linked article, reflect on the following critical questions:

• Reference article: Sydney Morning Herald - Road Safety Report

  • Holiday and Weekend Risks: Why do you think more traffic accidents occur during holiday periods and weekends?

  • Media Influence: How might movies like 'The Fast and the Furious' or video games such as 'GTA' and 'Need for Speed' potentially impact driver behavior and road safety?

  • Prevention Strategies: Propose innovative programs to reduce road fatalities, focusing on:

    • Speeding control

    • Driver fatigue management

    • Mobile phone distraction prevention

    • Pedestrian awareness

Casual Factors: Mobile Phone Use

Dangers of Distracted Driving

• Using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash or near-crash event.

• Texting, browsing, or talking on the phone takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the task of driving.

Shocking Statistics

• In 2021, distracted driving was a factor in 54 fatal crashes in NSW, Australia.

• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to cause injury in NSW.

• In 2020, 1 in 4 drivers in NSW admitted to using their mobile phone while driving.

• Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times in Australia.

Legislation for P1 and P2 Drivers:

• In Australia, P1 and P2 drivers are banned from using any hand-held mobile phones while driving, including for making or receiving calls, texting, or using apps.

• Illegal mobile phone use will result in heavy penalties including demerit points and fines, which could mean the loss of your licence.

Tips for Safer Driving

• Put your phone away while driving and avoid all distractions.

• If you need to use your phone, pull over safely and park first.

• Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" mode to avoid temptation.

• Watch the clip in the link https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/mobilephones/know-the-rules.html

Campaign

• Students watch the first 8 minutes of the It’s people like us documentary to identify the need for a mobile phone campaign, and takes notes on the following:

• It’s people like us documentary

  • List people using their phone

  • Key messages of the documentary

  • Positives

  • Negatives

  • Things that shocked you

  • New information you learnt

Homework Task

• Find answers to the following common questions about mobile phone road rules: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/mobilephones/know-the-rules.html#questions)

  1. Can I use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music?

  2. Can I use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music if it's in a cradle?

  3. Can I use my mobile phone if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?

  4. Can I use my phone to text?

  5. What do I need to do to use my mobile phone?

  6. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?

  7. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I'm pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?

  8. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?

  9. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?

  10. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?

  11. Was there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?

  12. How will I know if I've been caught using my phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera?

  13. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal phone use?

  14. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?

Casual Factor: Speeding

Longer Stopping Distances

• Higher speeds dramatically increase the distance needed to stop, reducing driver reaction time.

Reduced Vehicle Stability

• Speeding makes vehicles harder to control, especially during turns or in challenging road conditions.

Greater Impact Forces

• Collision energy increases exponentially with speed, causing more severe injuries and extensive damage.

Reduced Visibility

• Speeding narrows a driver's field of vision, reducing the ability to spot and react to road hazards.

Strategies to Reduce Speeding in NSW

• What initiatives has the NSW government implemented to tackle speeding on the roads?

• Share your thoughts on the effectiveness of these strategies in promoting safer driving habits and reducing the risk of road incidents.

Casual Factor: Alcohol Consumption

Cognitive Disruption

• Alcohol disrupts the brain's normal cognitive and motor functions, compromising safe driving.

Reduced Reflexes

• Even experienced drivers experience dramatically reduced reaction times and compromised decision-making.

Perception Alteration

• Substances that distort spatial awareness create potentially fatal driving conditions.

Extended Impairment

• Alcohol's impact extends beyond immediate intoxication, with residual fatigue potentially lasting days.

• According to the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, alcohol-related crashes account for around 30% of all road fatalities in Australia.

• In 2020, there were 1,107 road deaths, with alcohol a contributing factor in 328 of these incidents.

The NSW government has implemented various initiatives to address this issue, including:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

  • The legal BAC limit in NSW is 0.05% for full license holders, and 0.00% for learner and provisional license holders.

• Targeted Campaigns

  • Running public awareness campaigns that highlight the risks and consequences of drink driving, particularly for young people.

• Increased Penalties

  • Imposing harsher penalties, such as higher fines and license suspensions, for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

Casual Factor: Alcohol Consumption

BAC Measurement

• Precise measurement of alcohol percentage in bloodstream using breathalyzer or blood tests

Individual Variation

• Alcohol absorption varies significantly across individuals due to personal factors

Zero Tolerance

• P-plate drivers strictly required to maintain 0.00% BAC

Absorption Process

• Alcohol rapidly absorbed directly from stomach into bloodstream

Effects of Driving Under the Influence

• One drink = one small beer, one small glass of wine or one shot/nip of spirit (whiskey, vodka)

• BAC Level, How it affects you

  • 0. 02 to 0.05, ½-1 drink

    • ability to see moving lights

    • ability to judge distances

    • ability to respond to several stimuli

    • risk taking

  • 0. 05, 1-2 drinks

    • Twice as likely to have a crash as before they started drinking

  • 0. 05 to 0.08, 2-3 drinks

    • Further reduction in your ability to judge distances

    • sensitivity to red light

    • Slower reactions

    • Shorter concentration span

  • 0. 08, 3-4 drinks

    • 5x more likely to have a crash than before you started drinking

  • 0. 08 to 0.12, 4+ drinks

    • Overestimate ability = Reckless driving

    • Poorer peripheral (side) vision

    • Poorer perception of obstacles e.g. parked cars

    • 10x more likely to have a crash

Liver Processing

• The liver takes ONE hour to process 1 standard drink, breaking down alcohol systematically.

Cirrhosis

• Cirrhosis is liver damage where healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue, often caused by excessive drinking.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

• Alcoholic hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by heavy, long-term alcohol consumption.

RBT (Random Breath Testing)

• Random Breath Testing (RBT) is a critical road safety initiative in Australia, designed to detect and deter drink driving through systematic police interventions.

Widespread Implementation

• Over 10 million breath tests performed annually across all Australian states and territories.

Zero Tolerance Policy

• Strict BAC regulations for learner and provisional license holders, with zero tolerance for alcohol.

Deterrent Effect

• Unpredictable RBT operations significantly reduce alcohol-related road incidents.

• RBT continues to be a vital strategy in removing impaired drivers from roads and protecting community safety.

Random Breath Testing

• Random Breath Testing can occur anywhere on our roads, at any time.

• Usually, police will set up an RBT station on the side of the road and instruct drivers that approach to enter the station and submit to a breath test.

• Police can also randomly pull over any car at any time and have them undergo a breath test.

• RBTs were introduced in 1982. Before then, drink driving accounted for 40% of all fatal crashes. Now, it accounts for less than 15% of all fatalities.

Consequences of Drinking and Driving

• Watch the video - 4 minutes long, give shock warning

• Complete the worksheet.

Casual Factors: Drugs

Effects on Driving Ability

• Depressants: Depressants such as alcohol can slow reaction times, impair coordination, and reduce concentration, leading to drowsiness and decreased alertness.

• Stimulants: Stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines can cause overconfidence, aggression, and risk-taking behavior, leading to reckless driving and poor judgment.

• Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens such as LSD or MDMA can distort perception, leading to visual disturbances, impaired judgment, and unpredictable behavior on the road.

• In addition to Random Breath Testing (RBT), many Australian states and territories have also implemented Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT) programs.

MDT allows police to conduct roadside saliva tests to detect the presence of common illicit drugs, including:

• Methamphetamine: Also known as "ice" or "crystal meth", this highly addictive stimulant can cause erratic and aggressive driving behavior.

• Cannabis: Also known as marijuana, this drug can impair coordination, reaction time, and decision-making abilities.

• MDMA: Also known as "ecstasy", this synthetic stimulant and hallucinogen can distort perception and impair judgment.

• Cocaine: A powerful stimulant that can lead to overconfidence, aggression, and risky driving.

• By detecting the presence of these common illicit drugs, MDT programs help identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads, complementing other road safety initiatives like RBT.

MDT in ACTION

• Discuss: Do you think the MDT would reduce the number of people taking drugs and driving?

Opinion Activity

• Based on the last campaign viewed, write down all of the reasons that MDT’s should be run and all of the reasons that it shouldn’t be conducted.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of Mobile drug testing.

  • Make a judgement about whether or not it will discourage people from taking drugs and driving.

Campaign Analysis

• Answer the following questions relating to the ‘what’s your plan B’ campaign. https://youtu.be/v0QmgTNzwTw

  1. Who is the target audience?

  2. Outline the key messages

  3. What strategies and techniques have been used to portray their message?

  4. How would you plan ahead to improve yours and others health and safety in the following scenario:

     • You are at a friends house on a Friday night and other mutual friends arrive with alcohol and drugs. You decide to stay but do not engage in their activities. Your friend who is a P plater was supposed to drive you home but is under the influence of drugs. How will you get home safely?

     • if your parents are on a holiday overseas and your older sibling is at work

     • And, you are in a rural or remote area with no public transport at night

     • And, you have no money for a taxi or a ride share service and your phone is not working

Casual Factor: Fatigue

• One of the biggest killers on our roads

• As dangerous as drink driving

• Being awake for about 17 hours has a similar effect on performance as a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05

• Fatigue significantly impacts road safety, especially for young drivers by impairing judgment and increasing collision risks.

Lack of Sleep

• Not getting enough quality sleep leaves drivers drowsy and less alert on the road.

Long Drives

• Prolonged driving without breaks drains a driver's energy and concentration.

Medication Effects

• Certain medications can cause drowsiness that impairs driving ability.

Impaired Judgment

• Fatigue reduces reaction times and increases likelihood of risky driving behaviors.

• To combat fatigue-related risks, drivers should recognise warning signs and implement strategies like taking regular breaks and ensuring adequate rest.

• What are the signs and symptoms of fatigue driving?

Key Statistics on Fatigue Driving in Australia:

1. 1 in 5 crashes

   • Fatigue is a contributing factor in 1 in 5 fatal crashes on Australian roads.

2. 20% of drivers

   • 20% of Australian drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the past year.

3. 2.3 billion

   • Fatigue-related crashes cost the Australian economy an estimated 2.3 billion per year.

4. Young drivers at risk

   • Young drivers aged 17-25 are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatigue-related crash.

• There are no laws surrounding driver fatigue, so there are lots of media campaigns that aim to raise awareness

Campaign Analysis

• View the website and watch the ads for the ‘dont trust your tired self’ campaign https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/donttrustyourtiredself.html

1. Summarise the key messages of this campaign

2. Suggest strategies to avoid driving under fatigue

3. What community initiatives currently exist to allow drivers to rest and recover on the road?

Only A Mate

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBI-6jQUsgs

• Answer the following questions into your book:

1. How did the film make you feel?

2. How is the young driver portrayed in the film?

3. How did this reflect the statistics of young drivers, as discussed this term in P.E?

4. What are the main messages of the film?

5. Do you think this is an effective way to deliver the message? Why/why not?

6. What are the dangerous driving scenarios identified by the driving instructor?

7. How might the impact of this film change if the driver was a young female?

Harmful Effects of Vapes and Shisha

Vaping

• E-cigarettes and vaping devices contain a variety of harmful chemicals

  1. Nicotine: Highly addictive, can affect brain development in youth

  2. Ultrafine particles: Can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing inflammation

  3. Heavy metals: Such as lead, tin, and chromium, which are toxic

  4. Flavorings: Many of which are approved for ingestion but not inhalation

• Vaping has been linked to lung injuries, seizures, and even death.

Shisha

• Shisha, or hookah, involves smoking flavored tobacco through a water pipe and is often mistakenly seen as a safer alternative to cigarettes, but in reality:

  1. Increased exposure: A single shisha session can expose users to more toxic chemicals than an entire pack of cigarettes

  2. Carbon monoxide: The charcoal used to heat the tobacco produces high levels of carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous

  3. Infectious disease: Sharing a mouthpiece can spread illnesses like herpes and tuberculosis

  4. Addiction: Shisha contains nicotine, making it highly addictive

• Shisha use has been linked to lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems.

Both Vaping & Shisha

• Pose significant risks, especially for young people whose brains and bodies are still developing and the long-term effects of these products are not yet fully understood.

Vaping

• Watch the following video and answer the questions below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DcnCQIFcuE

  1. What are the main fears surrounding vaping?

  2. Why is this such a big concern among young people?

  3. Are there current quality control measures taken by governments/suppliers?

  4. Who are the target groups?

  5. What measures that have been taken to reduce the likelihood of taking up vaping?

  6. Who will be allowed to prescribe vapes legally?

Responding to Road Trauma

Lesson Objectives

1. Develop a systematic approach to managing road traffic accident scenes

2. Master essential Basic First Aid techniques for emergency response

Critical Priorities When Arriving at an Accident Scene:

• Preserve Life: Ensure immediate survival of injured individuals

• Prevent Further Injury: Secure the accident scene and minimise additional risks

• Promote Recovery: Provide appropriate first aid and support stabilization

• When approaching a road trauma situation, responders should systematically follow the DRSABCD emergency response procedure. Remember: Your personal safety is the absolute first priority in any emergency response scenario.

First Aid

• Some situations, such as a drug overdose, or sudden heart failure, require emergency action.

• The following steps outline the procedures to either keep the casualty in a safe position whilst breathing and awaiting medical assistance, or in the most critical of situations, to revive the unconscious and non breathing casualty by allowing oxygen to reach the brain and vital organs.

In Class Task

• To develop critical first aid skills, carefully watch the provided videos on the DRSABCD procedure.

• Your task is to complete the accompanying worksheet from memory, demonstrating your understanding of this life-saving emergency response technique.

• Work independently, relying solely on your newly acquired knowledge to test your comprehension and retention.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plse2FOkV4Q

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PJR0JyLPZY

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRQePNmR66w

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUaxt8OlT3o

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSiDT5P0ZlI

Common Sports Injuries in Australia

Top Sports Injuries

The most common sports injuries in Australia include:

1. Ankle sprains

2. Hamstring strains

3. Knee injuries (e.g. ACL tears)

4. Shoulder dislocations

5. Concussions
   According to a study by Sports Medicine Australia, these injuries account for over 70% of all sports-related injuries treated in Australian emergency departments.

Injury Causes

These injuries are often caused by:

1. Overuse

2. Sudden changes in direction

3. Improper technique or training

4. Inadequate warm-up or cool-down

5. Lack of protective equipment
   Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that over 50% of sports injuries in Australia are due to these contributing factors.

• Proper prevention, early treatment, and rehabilitation are key to managing these common sports injuries and getting athletes back on the field safely.

Injuries

• Suggest why injuries for males are significantly higher amongst the 15-24 year age group compared to other age groups

Injury Prevention in Sport

Key Injury Prevention Strategies

• Proper Warm-up

  • Prepare muscles and joints through dynamic stretching and sport-specific movements to increase flexibility and reduce strain risks.

• Protective Equipment

  • Use correctly fitted gear like helmets, padding, and braces to significantly reduce injury severity.

• Training Load Management

  • Increase training intensity incrementally to allow body adaptation and prevent overuse injuries.

• Technique Refinement

  • Work with coaches to correct biomechanics and develop proper muscle memory.

• Recovery Protocols

  • Implement structured rest, nutrition, and rehabilitation to maintain long-term sports participation.

Sprains and Strains

• Sprains and strains are two of the most common sports injuries.

Sprain

• A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tough band of tissue that connects two bones together at a joint.

• Sprains typically occur when a joint is forced to move beyond its normal range of motion, causing the ligament to stretch or tear.

Strain

• A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone.

• Strains are caused by the muscle being stretched or torn.

Exercising in Heat

• Exercising in hot and humid environments can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, which can be dangerous if not properly managed. Best way to manage heat related illnesses is to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Heat Cramps

• Painful muscle contractions caused by intense exercise in hot environments

Heat Exhaustion

• Early stage of heat-related illness with symptoms like headache and nausea

Heat Stroke

• Severe, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention

Symptoms

• Heavy sweating (cool and moist skin), Pale skin, Fast and weak pulse rate, Breathing fast and shallow, Muscle weakness or cramps, Tiredness, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea or vomiting, Fainting

Importance of Hydration and Athletic Performance

Performance Impact

• Proper hydration directly affects athletic performance, endurance, and recovery.

  • Maintains blood volume and cardiovascular efficiency

  • Regulates body temperature through sweating

  • Transports essential nutrients and oxygen to muscles

  • Prevents early onset of fatigue

Hydration Strategies

• Develop personalised hydration plans considering exercise intensity, duration, climate, and individual sweat rates.

  • Drink before, during, and after exercise

  • Monitor urine color as a hydration indicator

  • Replace electrolytes during prolonged activity

  • Use sports drinks for intense or prolonged exercise

Sport-Specific Hydration

• Different sports require unique hydration approaches based on their specific physiological demands.

  • Endurance sports: Continuous fluid intake

  • High-intensity sports: Rapid electrolyte replacement

  • Team sports: Strategic hydration breaks

  • Indoor vs outdoor sports: Climate adaptation

Hydration in Sports

The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

• Recommends the following practices regarding fluid replacement for athletic participation: athletes should begin a training session well hydrated by drinking approximately 500 to 600 ml of water or sports drink 2 to 3 hours before exercise and additional 200 to 300 ml of water or a sports drink 10 to 20 min before exercise.

• Based on this statement by NATA answer the following questions. [Once completed discuss responses as a class]

1. What type of fluid should athletes consume before exercise?

2. How much fluid should athletes consume 10-20 minutes before exercise and why?

3. What are the reasons for the recommended fluid intake amounts?

4. Why is it important for athletes to be well-hydrated before exercise?

Understanding Cyberbullying: A Growing Digital Threat

National Research Highlights:

• 20% of young Australians experience online harassment annually

• Response patterns:

  • 55% seek parental support

  • 28% confide in friends

  • 38% block offending accounts

• 20% of young people admit to negative online behaviors

Cyberbullying might include

• Abusive Communication

  • Sending threatening texts, emails, or messages that cause emotional harm

• Digital Exclusion

  • Deliberately excluding peers from online spaces and social groups

• Online Impersonation

  • Creating fake accounts to mock, deceive, or embarrass others

• Public Humiliation

  • Spreading harmful rumors or sharing embarrassing content publicly

Cyberbullying in Social Media

Cyberbullying on Social Media

• Instagram: 42%

• Facebook: 31%

• Snapchat: 9%

• WhatsApp: 12%

• YouTube: 5%

• Twitter: 1%

• Suggest reasons for Instagram being the most common platform where cyberbullying occurs.