Queenslanders reminded to drive safely

As Road Safety Week draws to a close, Minister for Police Bill Byrne and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey have encouraged people to continue discussing driving safely among family and friends.

“Sadly, 157 people have died on Queensland roads this year alone. That is exactly the same figure as the same time last year,” Minister Byrne said.

“In just August alone there have been 13 fatalities.

“Whenever motorists get behind the wheel they need to remember they are taking their own lives, their passengers lives and the lives of others on the road, into their hands.”

Minister Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was using numerous methods to boost road safety, including money from fines for people who chose to drive dangerously and speed on Queensland roads.

“The revenue collected from speed and red light camera fines is much less than the cost of road trauma,” he said.

“Speeding and running red lights kills or leaves people with horrific injuries. 

“Drivers who don’t speed don’t need to worry about speeding fines. 

“The money from these fines goes directly towards encouraging speedsters and other motorists to stay safe through funding for road safety education and awareness programs, road accident injury rehabilitation programs and road funding to enhance safety on state-controlled roads where crashes happen most frequently.

“Our message this Road Safety Week is to discuss safe driving with friends and family.”

Minister Byrne encouraged motorists to keep the Fatal Five in mind when driving - distraction and inattention, speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear a seatbelt and driving while fatigued.

“Too many Queenslanders know the enormous toll on families and communities and we need to take a stand,” he said.

“Use this week to take a stand and pledge to drive safely on Queensland roads.”

ENDS