22 April 2021
Published 24 August 2020
We should be targeting zero, but in the last two months alone Moreton Bay Region’s road fatalities are nearly 50% higher than the twelve months prior.
It’s a shocking statistic and Mayor Peter Flannery is using Road Safety Week (Aug 24-28) to say enough is enough.
“Police will tell you there’s no such thing as an accident, driver error is always a contributing factor,” he said.
“So put your phone down, slow down, and pay attention. It will save lives.
“Queensland’s laws are now the toughest in Australia for people caught using their phones, with the state government now jacking up fines to $1000 and three points, as well as rolling out new enforcement cameras.
“Honestly it’s getting to the point where there’s not much more governments can do, this responsibility is on you.
“In July and August alone 11 people have been killed on local roads.
“That means even if there we achieve zero deaths on Moreton Bay roads, we’ll still eclipse the fatality rate of the 2019-20 financial year when eight people were killed.
“I urge parents of L-Plate and P-Plate drivers, please talk about these awful statistics at your dinner table tonight.
“Only by changing the way we drive will we stop this heartache and stop local families from losing more friends and loved ones.
“I’d like to thank the Department of Transport and Main Road, Queensland Police Service and all our emergency services for their continued focus on road safety as we navigate through COVID-19.”
Moreton District Officer, Superintendent John Hallam said the message for the community was loud and clear.
“Road Safety week will see the Moreton District focusing on all aspects of road safety, in particular the Fatal Five – speeding; drink or drug driving; distraction or inattention; fatigue and seatbelts and reminding all community members that Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
“We need to all think hard about our driving behaviour because this is simply unacceptable.”
Queensland Road Safety Week, running from 24 – 28 August, is an annual initiative from the Department of Transport and Main Roads raising awareness of the need for all of us to be engaged in making our roads safer.
Data indicates that in the period during January 1 to August 9, 2020 there was a 22.5% increase in fatalities on Queensland roads compared to the same period in 2019, and a 2.9% increase on the previous five-year average.
To find out more and participate, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/