Published Thursday, 07 August, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Queensland Road Toll Approaches 200
Police Minister Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson fear the road toll will top 200 this weekend unless drivers act responsibly.
Ms Spence said: “The toll for 2008 has now reached 197 and if the recent trend continues there will be more carnage on our roads this weekend pushing fatalities to more than 200 for the year.
“We’ve had four horrific weeks in which 33 people have been killed on Queensland’s roads, with the majority of those deaths (27) on the weekends.
“On 11/12/13th of July there were 9 deaths, 18/19/20th of July - 5 deaths, 25/26/27th July - 8 deaths, and 1/2/3rd of August - 5 deaths (police statistics include Friday in weekends).
“When are Queenslanders going to get the message?.
“We do not want another repeat this weekend.
“Every fatality causes untold grief and suffering for families, friends and loved ones.
“Police will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to road safety and there are traffic operations planned across the state this weekend.
“Police will target irresponsible drivers who: speed, drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, fail to wear a seat belt – including not having children safely restrained in vehicles, and driving while fatigued, in an attempt to make Queensland’s roads safer for all road users,” Ms Spence said.
Commissioner Bob Atkinson said: “We’re out there this weekend to try and stem this tragic and avoidable loss of life. In particular, we will be targeting speeding and drink driving, the contributing factors in most fatal crashes.
“Motorists illegally using mobile phones, are also on notice. This may seem less serious, but it can endanger their safety, the safety of their family and friends, and the safety of other road users,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“Drivers who think it is acceptable to risk the lives of others by committing offences while using Queensland’s roads will be issued with infringement notices, charged, or even have their vehicles impounded.
“By simply paying attention, putting on a seat belt, and driving to the speed limits and conditions, drivers can significantly reduce the chances of being killed or seriously injured if involved in a crash.
“This year’s road toll currently sits 25 below last year’s for the same period of time, but police will attempt to reduce road trauma even further, through targeting drivers who display a blatant disregard for other road users,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
Media contacts: Minister’s Office: 3239 6218 Police Media: 30152444
Ms Spence said: “The toll for 2008 has now reached 197 and if the recent trend continues there will be more carnage on our roads this weekend pushing fatalities to more than 200 for the year.
“We’ve had four horrific weeks in which 33 people have been killed on Queensland’s roads, with the majority of those deaths (27) on the weekends.
“On 11/12/13th of July there were 9 deaths, 18/19/20th of July - 5 deaths, 25/26/27th July - 8 deaths, and 1/2/3rd of August - 5 deaths (police statistics include Friday in weekends).
“When are Queenslanders going to get the message?.
“We do not want another repeat this weekend.
“Every fatality causes untold grief and suffering for families, friends and loved ones.
“Police will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to road safety and there are traffic operations planned across the state this weekend.
“Police will target irresponsible drivers who: speed, drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, fail to wear a seat belt – including not having children safely restrained in vehicles, and driving while fatigued, in an attempt to make Queensland’s roads safer for all road users,” Ms Spence said.
Commissioner Bob Atkinson said: “We’re out there this weekend to try and stem this tragic and avoidable loss of life. In particular, we will be targeting speeding and drink driving, the contributing factors in most fatal crashes.
“Motorists illegally using mobile phones, are also on notice. This may seem less serious, but it can endanger their safety, the safety of their family and friends, and the safety of other road users,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“Drivers who think it is acceptable to risk the lives of others by committing offences while using Queensland’s roads will be issued with infringement notices, charged, or even have their vehicles impounded.
“By simply paying attention, putting on a seat belt, and driving to the speed limits and conditions, drivers can significantly reduce the chances of being killed or seriously injured if involved in a crash.
“This year’s road toll currently sits 25 below last year’s for the same period of time, but police will attempt to reduce road trauma even further, through targeting drivers who display a blatant disregard for other road users,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
Media contacts: Minister’s Office: 3239 6218 Police Media: 30152444