Queenslanders make pledge for no road deaths

Published Friday, 30 May, 2014 at 07:40 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Queenslanders are being urged to drive safely today as part of Fatality Free Friday.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson joined Brisbanites at the official event pledging their support to drive safely and said the campaign delivered on the election promise to revitalise frontline services.

“Innovative campaigns like this deliver on our strong plan to lower the road toll and ensure a brighter and safer future for Queenslanders,” Mr Emerson said.

“Motorists from Southport to Cairns have been commended for pledging to help keep the state fatality free on Friday.

“Road safety is everybody’s responsibility and today gives us an opportunity to reflect and make a promise to ourselves and our families that we will do everything in our power to drive safely.”

In the lead-up to Fatality Free Friday, the Queensland Government and Australian Road Safety Foundation sent three life-sized pledge cars to 15 locations across Queensland to promote the road safety message and capture safety pledges.

Mr Emerson commended the 2,200 people who pledged during the tour.

“As of today the 2014 road toll sits at 83. While this is 43 less than the same time last year, keeping our road toll low is an ongoing commitment 365 days a year,” he said.

“We would like to see everyone join the drive to save lives by considering their choices on the road to make every day fatality free.”

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said road deaths in every region across the state were down but it was important to remain vigilant.

“I thank all drivers and police for their continued effort in keeping our roads safe,” Mr Dempsey said.

“One life lost on our roads is too many so its vital drivers pay attention to safety initiatives like Fatality Free Friday.”

Anyone who missed out on pledging can visit the official Fatality Free Friday website and continue to make their pledge www.fatalityfreefriday.com throughout the year.

The campaign supports the Queensland Government’sJoin the Drive to Save Lives social change strategy, which encourages community involvement and participation in enhancing road safety. For more information, please go to www.jointhedrive.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 30 May 2014

Media Contact: Sarah Henderson 0409 827 773