Operation Grenadine curbing motorcycle fatalities

Today Police Minister Mark Ryan and Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating launched Operation Grenadine – a state-wide road safety campaign designed to help curb the rising number of motorcyclists being killed and injured on Queensland roads.

Mr Ryan said motorcycles represent four per cent of all registered vehicles in Queensland.

“Operation Grenadine is a high visibility operation focusing on both recreational and commuter motorcycle riders with the aim to increase safety awareness of riders on the roads across Queensland. The operation commences today, Saturday 28th,” he said.

“In both 2013 and 2014 the percentage of riders killed on Queensland roads was nearly 17 per cent, and in recent years it has consistently been around 20 per cent. These percentages should be of concern for all road users.

“Motorcycle riders represented close to one-fifth of those killed on our roads so far in 2018.

“We’re only a third of the way through 2018 and we are seeing nearly 20 per cent of road fatalities involve people riding motorcycles. That equates to 15 motorcycle riders killed.

“Sadly over the past six years, we have seen an upward trend with the numbers of riders injured or killed on our roads.

“Operation Grenadine aims to increase awareness through education for both riders and other road users. We want to see riders and motorists sharing the road, judging road conditions and working together to ensure everyone gets home safe to their loved ones.”

Assistant Commissioner Keating said that while motorcyclists are a small group on our roads, they are over-represented in fatal and serious traffic crash data.

“One of the best things about Queensland is our weather, and it means that a lot of our community take the opportunity to hit the road and go for a ride,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

“Unfortunately we are seeing a continued rising trend in riders being killed or hospitalised from traffic crashes on our roads.

“Research has shown approximately three riders, including pillion passengers, are hospitalised every day due to traffic crashes.

“We are hoping to re-dress this through both education and enforcement with state-wide operations such Operation Grenadine."

Motorists can expect to see a high concentration of officers throughout Queensland focusing on rider safety.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister’s office 0447 155 332

Police media 3015 2444