Our Northern Beaches’ Safest Driver revealed

Over 700 locals drove a little slower, took corners safely and didn’t touch their smart phones in October, all to battle it out to be crowned our Northern Beaches’ Safest Driver.

We were the first Council in Australia to team up with UbiCar on a safe driver initiative. Their app equipped with telematics technology rates a driver’s performance based on their speed, braking, acceleration, cornering and phone distraction.

Cerian Brondum from Bilgola Plateau took out first place but it will come as no surprise to her family and friends who say she “drives like an old lady”. We spoke to Cerian after she took out the title and whether she thinks the competition has improved her driving.

1.  How do you think your driving has improved since using the Ubicar app? Yes, my driving has improved. The app certainly makes you more mindful of how you’re doing on the roads and makes you more focussed. 

UbiCar has definitely improved my cornering. I live in an area where there are a lot of winding roads and I’m more aware of how fast I am going around them.

I’ve also realised it’s not necessary to brake as often as I do. In the past I tended to panic and just put my foot on the brake when I don’t necessarily need to.

2.  How do you feel about being crowned the safest driver on the Northern Beaches? Amused! My friends have always told me I drive like an old lady and my husband wasn’t surprised either.

My children who are 11 and 13 were absolutely thrilled- it has really brought road safety into the conversation at home. My 11 year old now knows the road rules better than most drivers especially when it comes to roundabouts. My kids were constantly checking the UbiCar app to see how I was going and my son told me he is going to win the competition one day!

3.  Have you always thought you were a good driver? I’ve always been cautious. When I was younger I always drove old cars that were prone to breaking down so I enrolled myself into a community mechanics course at the age of 17 to learn how to fix the car if it broke down.

4.  Why did you enter the Northern Beaches Safest Driver competition? I read about the app and downloaded it because it seemed a fun thing to do and to prove to my husband how good I am at driving!

I’m not usually a competitive person but I got really into it. The kids were into it and I promised them ten dollars each if I won.

5.  What do you think about this initiative and do you think other Councils should be getting involved across the country? It’s brilliant! I personally found it beneficial. I think others would find it helpful in making them aware of how good or bad they are at driving.

Quite a few of my friends would benefit for sure. I think it’s really useful!

Congratulations to our second place winner Scott Martin and third place Nuala Quigley, as well as all of the locals who took part in the competition.

Remember to keep up the good work and keep our roads safe for everyone. Download the Ubicar app and get your own driving score.