MOTORISTS are being urged to slow down and take extra care following a horror weekend on Queensland roads, with five people killed in crashes and many more injured.
Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said at midnight on Sunday 27 November that the road toll was 219, six below the toll for the same time last year.
“This weekend we experienced a terrible loss of life on our road network with five people killed across Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.
“This tally is a sober reminder that we all need to think safety first when we’re driving, riding or walking on the road.
“Losing a family member, friend or colleague as the result of a road accident is traumatic, and I extend my sincere sympathies to those affected over the past few days.
“I urge Queenslanders to stay alert and focus on the driving task at all times.”
Mr Bailey said over the Christmas break, more people would be on the roads.
“This is an especially important message as we head toward the holiday season and more families road trip to their destinations,” he said.
“I will be launching a new holiday road safety campaign in the coming weeks to encourage people to think about their driving habits and how it affects others.”
Mr Bailey reminded road users to think of the fatal five.
“Slow down, don’t look at your mobile phone while driving, wear seatbelts and child restraints, don’t get behind the wheel fatigued and don’t drink or take drugs and drive,” he said.
“If you’re ever tempted to do the wrong thing behind the wheel, ask yourself if it’s worth the risk – to yourself or another innocent road user.
“Road safety is everyone’s issue and responsibility, whether you are driving a car, riding a motorcycle or bicycle, a pedestrian or a passenger.”
Last year the Palaszczuk government released the Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan to improve safety, reduce injury and curb the state’s road toll.
The strategy sets a long-term vision of zero deaths on Queensland roads, and interim target to reduce the road toll below 200 by 2020.
You can view the strategy and action plan at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Road-safety/Strategy-and-action-plans.aspx
