Queensland Road Safety Week 2022 occurred 22 August to 26 August, with this year focusing on the theme, “Road Safety starts with Me”.
The above statement is to remind all road users that everyone has a part to play in keeping our roads safe.
Warwick held the Southern Downs launch of Road Safety Week on Sunday and police partnered with Braking the Cycle to host the event at SDIEA.
Community members of all ages attended and had a “coffee with a cop,” and was able to interact with local QFES, Crime Stoppers and Braking the Cycle Staff who all shared the same message on Road Safety – reinforcing the Fatal Five.
Warwick Police Station Senior Constable Kirsty Moore said that a few simple ideas that are on theme and ensure road safety are to wave and say thank you.
“This simple action makes driving more pleasant and safe for everyone and reduces the likelihood of erratic driving,” Senior Constable Moore said.
“Smiling at others is a simple way to put you in a positive mood and help you drive safe.
Sharing the road with other drivers, always using your indicator and leaving a gap being sure to keep a safe distance.”
Throughout the week, police are attending primary school and child care centres to promote the road safety message.
Furthermore, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced in conjunction with Road Safety Week, that new speed camera
technology will target speeding drivers in school zones and roadworks across Queensland and would go live next month.
“I’m pleased to announce that new cameras will target speeding drivers in both school and roadworks zones to keep Queensland kids and workers safe,” Mr Bailey said.
“These cameras will pop up in high-risk locations next month so I am giving Queenslanders fair warning that these can be anywhere, anytime.
“It’s vital we do everything we can to keep vulnerable in our community safe on our roads and these cameras will help to achieve that.”
Mr Bailey said the initiative reflects the theme of this year’s Queensland Road Safety Week, ‘Road Safety Starts With Me, highlighting every road user has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe while on or near our roads.
“Every day, across the road network, yellow is used for safety reminders such as our warning signs, high-visibility workwear and even our learner driver plates,” he said.
“We’re asking Queenslanders to ‘wear and share yellow’ to show their support for road safety by wearing an item of yellow clothing, hosting a yellow event, or sharing a safety message on social media.”
Superintendent Janelle Andrews said speeding was one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland’s roads.
“During 2021, there were 74 fatalities as the result of crashes involving speeding motorists, representing almost 27 per cent of Queensland road fatalities,” Superintendent Andrews said.
“Thousands more road users are seriously injured in crashes.
“Speed kills and there is no apology for enforcing speed limits in school zones and roadworks sites.”
More information about Queensland Road Safety Week 2022 is available online at streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/qrsw-2022/
