Palaszczuk Government urges Queenslanders to drive safely this Easter

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller, Queensland’s first-ever Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick joined with police and emergency services personnel to launch the 2015 Easter Road Safety campaign.

This year’s operation will begin at midnight on April 2 and run until the end of the Easter school holidays.

“Over Easter last year, three people were killed on our roads. There were also 150 serious crashes that left drivers and passengers injured,” Minister Miller said.

“Last year 223 people were killed on our roads – the lowest road toll since records began. So far this year, five fewer people have died on our roads compared to the same period last year.

“But one death on our roads is one death too many. Each one has a devastating impact on families, friends, loved ones and individual communities right across Queensland.

Minister Miller said this year’s campaign will focus heavily on the fatal five – speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, driver inattention and drivers not wearing a seatbelt.

“Your Facebook status update can wait until you get out of the car. Resist the temptation to speed to the lunch you’re running late for. If you had a big one last night, remember that sleep doesn’t sober you up faster – you could still be over the limit come morning,” Minister Miller said.

“If we all put a bit more thought into our driving habits, lives can be saved.”

Minister Miller said last year firefighters attended 651 road traffic crashes during the Easter school holidays.

“Like our police and ambulance officers, firefighters also witness devastating crash scenes every day,” Minister Miller said.

“At these crashes, crews often use hydraulic cutting equipment to free people from the wreckage of their vehicle.

“It’s difficult work in distressing circumstances and often they have to perform this task as quickly as possible to ensure someone’s survival.”

Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said the Queensland Ambulance Service attended more than 1,000 road traffic crashes during the Easter school holidays last year.

“If you come across a crash, remain calm and call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance immediately,” Minister Dick said.

“The Emergency Medical Dispatcher will ask you a series of questions, including street address and suburb, to send paramedics to your location as quickly as possible.

“They will also ask you the number of people involved, the extent of their injuries and may also provide you with first aid instructions.”

Mr Dick encouraged holiday makers to download the Emergency+ App to their smart phones before leaving home to help reduce emergency services response times.

“The Emergency+ App helps pinpoint your exact location by displaying your GPS coordinates, which must be passed verbally to the EMD to help with the emergency response. The Emergency+ App is free from the iTunes and Google Play Stores.”

Queensland’s first-ever Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the safety of road users is a top priority for the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of the men, women and children who travel on the state’s road network,” Minister Bailey said.

“Over the coming months, we will release a new road safety strategy and action plan. This will be our road map to drive road safety over the next two years. There are already many good road safety initiatives in place in Queensland and my aim is to ensure we continue to review and improve their effectiveness.

“Road safety is everyone’s business and we need to win the hearts and minds of everyone involved in the road network – not just motorists, but engineers and others who design, build and maintain our roads, vehicle manufacturers, business leaders, fleet managers, and people and organisations with innovative ideas and technology to share.

“I’ve had constructive meetings with the RACQ, CARRS-Q and one of Queensland’s peak cycling organisations. By working together, we are best placed to achieve the best outcomes for all road users,” Mr Bailey said.

Minister Miller encouraged Queenslanders to think about how their driving habits could change the lives of others in an instant.

“Please take it easy on the roads. We want to make sure you and your family are safe and sound - wherever you may be – over Easter.”

Media contacts:

Brent Davidson (Minister Miller's Office) 0438 696 185

Police Media: 3015 2444

Ellen McIntyre (Minister Bailey's Office) 0438 768 734

Mike Meurer (Minister Dick's Office) 0428 560 937