MIXED RESULTS FOR DRIVERS DURING OPERATION ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’

The return to school for 2007 has also led to hundreds of drivers receiving lectures from police and tickets for speeding in school zones, Police Minister Judy Spence said.

Releasing the figures from Operation Back to School, an annual road safety blitz conducted by police during the first week of the school year, Ms Spence said speeding continued to be the most prevalent offence committed by drivers in designated school zones.

“Operation Back to School 2007 was a wake up call for hundreds of Queensland motorists who continue to risk lives – especially children’s lives - when they get behind the wheel,” Ms Spence said.

“From January 29 to February 2 police were out in force, reminding motorists to slow down and obey road safety laws, particularly around school zones.

“The results have now been compiled for the statewide operation, and they show that while seatbelt, parking and bicycle offences were all down this year - motorists are continuing to ignore children’s safety by speeding in school zones.

“During the first week back at school, 908 motorists were caught speeding in school zones.

“While this rate of speeding offences in school zones was a 30% drop compared to last year, it was still 908 motorists too many who were putting lives at risk.”

Ms Spence said one of the most alarming offences was that of a North Queensland motorist caught drunk behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading of 0.38%, which is more than seven times the legal limit.

“Meanwhile, on the Darling Downs, a mother was caught by police driving unlicensed and speeding while dropping her son off at school,” Ms Spence said.

“In terms of speeding, the two worst offending regions this year were the Metro South and Metro North regions, which were each responsible for 211 - or nearly 50% - of all offences.

“This was followed by the South Eastern region with 119 speeding offences in school zones and the Far Northern region, where 90 speeding offences were detected.”

Ms Spence said that police have been encouraged this year by improvements in other areas of road safety, such as a 54% decrease in the number of seatbelt offences.

“This year 47 people failed to wear their own seatbelts or did not have children properly restrained in their vehicles during the first week back at school, compared to 103 offences last year,” Ms Spence said.

“The number of parking offences dropped by almost 38%, from 238 to 148.

“Police also detected 52 offences where cyclists were not wearing appropriate head safety gear, compared to 78 the year before.

“These are encouraging results and show that increased police enforcement and road safety awareness campaigns are making a difference.

“At the end of the day, police can only do so much. It’s up to each and every motorist to take responsibility and drive safely when they get behind the wheel.”

Ms Spence said the return to school was just weeks after 13 people were killed in the horrific Christmas New Year road toll in Queensland.

Ms Spence said all motorists need be aware of school zones and the speed limits that apply in these areas at specific times.

“When inside these zones, drivers need to expect the unexpected,” Ms Spence said.

“Children are not always aware of moving vehicles and it is up to drivers to look out for them.

“Parents also need to take the time to educate their children about road safety, particularly children who are starting school for the first time.

“Our children and young people need to know the basics about road safety – such as never riding a bike without a safety helmet, always using pedestrian crossings, and stopping to look before crossing the road.”

Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287