Queenslanders deliver road safety message

Published Sunday, 15 December, 2013 at 05:30 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Queenslanders are speaking from their hearts about road safety this Christmas as part of the Newman Government’s Join the Drive campaign.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Join the Drive campaign received an overwhelming response as part of the Newman Government’s $2.2 million, two-year Road Safety Action Plan.

“As part of the Newman Government’s commitment to revitalise frontline services, the Join the Drive campaign is working towards making Queensland’s roads as safe as possible,” Mr Emerson said.

“More than 420 interviews with everyday Queenslanders from around the state were recorded and we reached more than 25,000 people online.

“For the first time, it is the community driving the message about how individuals can improve safety on our roads instead of being dictated to by government.

“We hope these real stories featured on TV, radio and online ads over the Christmas period will spark a change in behaviour when it comes to the fatal five speeding, drink driving, seatbelts, driving tired and distractions such as mobile phones.

“Losing loved ones, or having them injured in road crashes is everyone's worst nightmare, particularly at Christmas, yet every year this is a scenario faced by too many families,

“Some of the people featured in these ads know this first hand.”

Last Christmas (December 23 to January 3), six people were killed and a further 163 were hospitalised as a result of crashes on Queensland roads. 

“We wanted to a fresh, modern approach to our frontline campaigns shying away from images of gore and broken bones that are no longer working,” Mr Emerson said.

“This new campaign provides us all with the opportunity to be part of the solution.

“My message to Queenslanders this Christmas is join the drive, save lives and help make a difference this Christmas.”

We continue to encourage people to leave a message, photo or video on the website (www.qld.gov.au/jointhedrive), or simply share and like posts with your friends.

To view the new advertisements visit https://www.youtube.com/JoinTheDrive

[ENDS] 15 December 2013

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625