The Palaszczuk Government thanks drivers for Zero fatalities on Queensland roads over Easter

The Palaszczuk Government has today thanked Queenslanders for helping to make it the safest Easter on the state’s roads in twenty years.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said after last year’s tragic holiday period, it was clear that road safety was on everyone’s mind.

“Last year the Easter road toll was the worst we have had in more than 20 years. Eight people were tragically killed on our roads in a five-day period,” Mr Bailey said.

“In response, the Palaszczuk Government initiated the Safer Roads, Safer Queensland Forum bringing together a broad range of road safety stakeholders, and launched our Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.

“The last time we had zero deaths on Queensland roads over Easter was in 1996, making this year our lowest Easter road toll in twenty years.

“While these figures are a relief, I urge all Queenslanders to continue to make safety the number one priority on our roads, every time they drive.”

“We all need to join together to raise awareness and responsibility on our roads to help save lives and reduce the burden of road trauma on our communities.

Police Minister Bill Byrne said although no-one had died this year, 147 people had been injured in 110 crashes across the state.

“While we’ve seen some encouraging results over the long weekend, there are still families whose lives have been changed forever with loved ones seriously injured in crashes,” Mr Byrne said.

 “Overall, fewer drivers have been caught speeding – with a significant decrease in the number of fixed speed camera detections down about thirty per cent.

“The Queensland Police Service will continue to focus on speeding as part of the dedicated speed campaign with 800 pieces of road measuring equipment are out on roads across the state.

“Over the last 18 months an additional 350 officers have also been trained to perform roadside drug tests – that has seen 205 drivers detected with an illicit substance in their system, up from 55 last year.

“Remember the fatal five – including drug driving. I would encourage drivers to continue to drive safety and make smart decisions on our roads.

“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable school holiday period.”

Road safety initiatives implemented following the Easter 2015 road toll:

• New skills-based learner practical driver test
• Double demerits for repeat mobile phone use offenders while driving
• Targeted motorcycle safety ads
• The successful ‘Dry Driver’ ad campaign against drink driving
• The new Easter speed campaign seeking to change the way we look at speed
• Co-lab Youth Innovation Competition
• Creating the road safety Citizens Taskforce
• Holding the first Ministerial Freight Council and release of Palaszczuk Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan

ENDS

Media Contact:        Minister Bailey         0423 651 484

                                 Minister Byrne         0431 042 847