By DANE LILLINGSTONE
WE ARE in the middle of Road Safety Week and RACQ has warned Southern Downs drivers to be careful on the road.
Only last week a crash on the Cunningham Highway left a young man dead after his ute hit a milk tanker in the early hours of the morning, becoming the 145th fatality on Queensland roads this year.
RACQ Executive Manager Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said the Southern Downs had a lot of travelling and seasonal workers passing through and this has the potential to cause major hazards.
“Both tourists and local road users must be familiar with Queensland’s road rules before getting behind the wheel of a car,” Mr Spalding.
“Visitors especially need to be mindful of Queensland’s long distances and ensure they’re travelling in safe, roadworthy vehicles.
“Fatigue is always a major issue in rural areas, and we’re reminding all drivers they must rest for a minimum of 15 minutes every two hours.”
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Peter Blundell said there were already steps in place to help prevent accidents with a Road Safety taskforce set-up in the Southern Downs after several serious accidents with tourists.
“As a result we’re now working on a number of strategies, including line-marking and signage,” Cr Blundell said.
“In addition we will all host a forum in Stanthorpe on 28 September, to discuss road safety and driving for overseas visitors holding working holiday visas.
“It’s our hope the forum will assist in educating visitors to the Southern Downs region on these very important driving and road safety matters.”
The RACQ has also warned that using a mobile phone while driving was fast becoming number one in the Fatal Five for killing Queenslanders, even comparing it to where drink driving was 20 years ago.
Driver distraction contributed to 19 fatalities and 1,343 hospitalised casualties on Queensland roads in 2013. The Queensland Police Service reported that approximately 76 per cent of Queenslanders used their mobile phone illegally in the car.
Their suggestions are to stay focused by:
* In the car, switch your phone to silent so you’re not tempted.
* Keep your phone out of sight. Consider placing it in the glove box.
* Pull over safely before grabbing your phone or GPS.
