Published Sunday, 08 April, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Too Many Deaths, drivers need to slow down.
April 8, 2007
Too many deaths, drivers need to slow down.
The Police Minister, Judy Spence, and the Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson, have called on Queensland motorists to improve their behaviour over the rest of the Easter holiday period.
Three people have died on the state’s roads over the Easter long weekend while 11 people have died on Queensland roads since the start of the Easter holiday period.
“The behaviour of some drivers is unacceptable and too many people continue to die on our roads over the Easter holiday period,” Ms Spence said.
“Drivers need to remember the police safety message of focusing on the fatal four – drink-driving, seatbelt use, driver fatigue and speeding,” Ms Spence said.
“I am particularly concerned about the excessive speeds being detected by police on our roads.
“More than 8000 motorists have allegedly been caught speeding with some driving in excess of 40 kilometres an hour over the speed limit during the holiday period.
“More than 320 people have been caught failing to wear a seatbelt.
“Police have also detected more than 340 drink drivers during this period with some allegedly recording blood-alcohol levels in excess of four five and six times the legal limit,” Ms Spence said.
Mr Atkinson challenged drivers to take more responsibility for their own actions and warned police will continue to crack down on drivers who break the law.
“There have been numerous instances over the Easter holiday period where police have caught people not observing the fatal four, which are the main contributors to fatal accidents in Queensland,” Mr Atkinson said.
Ms Spence urged motorists to use the driver reviver sites set up across the state over the Easter holiday period.
“The driver reviver sites help break up long trips and reduce driver fatigue and increase the chances of you and your family arriving home safe this Easter,” Ms Spence said.
Media contacts: Minister’s Office: Troy Davies 0439 673 287
Police Media: Snr Sgt Julie Elliot 3015 2444