MOTORIST BE WARNED – ROAD TOLL ABOUT TO HIT 300
Published Friday, 26 October, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence and Transport Minister John Mickel are pleading with motorists to take care today, to avoid becoming the 300th fatality on Queensland roads this year.
Ms Spence said the road toll hit 299 last night, with three people killed in separate motor vehicle incidents.
“We are on the cusp of a tragic milestone, and there are still 2 months to go until the end of the year,” Ms Spence said.
“In July, the road toll reached 200, and police warned we could reach 400 this year if people didn’t start taking more responsibility on our roads.
“3 months on, 100 more people have died, and the busy Christmas holiday period is still to come.
“Drivers need to slow down and pay more attention to help curb this senseless loss of life.”
Ms Spence said that despite the efforts of the Queensland Police Service, speed continues to be a significant contributing factor to road fatalities.
“Of the 335 road deaths that occurred in 2006, 27% were attributed to excessive speed. This trend has continued into 2007, with excessive speed contributing to 27% of road fatalities to date,” Ms Spence said.
“Motorcycle riders and pillion fatalities are also of increasing concern. So far this year, there have been 60 motorcyclist fatalities, compared to 42 for the corresponding period in 2006.
“This government is working with police to do everything we can to improve safety on our roads, but road users have to play their part.”
Mr Mickel said the Queensland Government has this year introduced tough new licensing restrictions for young drivers, and given police the power to confiscate the vehicles of people who repeatedly drink drive, drive while unlicensed, disqualified or unregistered or drive illegally modified cars.
“These tough new laws send a strong message to dangerous drivers, that there will be serious consequences for their deadly behaviour,” Mr Mickel said.
“Young drivers especially, between 17 and 24 years old, need to take responsibility – as they account for 21% of fatalities so far this year.
“If we are going to reduce the road toll, all drivers need to take a good hard look at their behaviour on the roads, to ensure they get home safely.
“We don’t want to see another 100 people die before Christmas, taking the annual toll to 400 for the first time in 12 years.”
Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office – Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
Minister Mickel’s Office – Elouise Campion 0409 588 302
Ms Spence said the road toll hit 299 last night, with three people killed in separate motor vehicle incidents.
“We are on the cusp of a tragic milestone, and there are still 2 months to go until the end of the year,” Ms Spence said.
“In July, the road toll reached 200, and police warned we could reach 400 this year if people didn’t start taking more responsibility on our roads.
“3 months on, 100 more people have died, and the busy Christmas holiday period is still to come.
“Drivers need to slow down and pay more attention to help curb this senseless loss of life.”
Ms Spence said that despite the efforts of the Queensland Police Service, speed continues to be a significant contributing factor to road fatalities.
“Of the 335 road deaths that occurred in 2006, 27% were attributed to excessive speed. This trend has continued into 2007, with excessive speed contributing to 27% of road fatalities to date,” Ms Spence said.
“Motorcycle riders and pillion fatalities are also of increasing concern. So far this year, there have been 60 motorcyclist fatalities, compared to 42 for the corresponding period in 2006.
“This government is working with police to do everything we can to improve safety on our roads, but road users have to play their part.”
Mr Mickel said the Queensland Government has this year introduced tough new licensing restrictions for young drivers, and given police the power to confiscate the vehicles of people who repeatedly drink drive, drive while unlicensed, disqualified or unregistered or drive illegally modified cars.
“These tough new laws send a strong message to dangerous drivers, that there will be serious consequences for their deadly behaviour,” Mr Mickel said.
“Young drivers especially, between 17 and 24 years old, need to take responsibility – as they account for 21% of fatalities so far this year.
“If we are going to reduce the road toll, all drivers need to take a good hard look at their behaviour on the roads, to ensure they get home safely.
“We don’t want to see another 100 people die before Christmas, taking the annual toll to 400 for the first time in 12 years.”
Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office – Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
Minister Mickel’s Office – Elouise Campion 0409 588 302