Queenslanders urged to drive safely as school holidays end

With the tragic deaths of four Queenslanders on our roads yesterday, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has urged Queenslanders to drive safely this weekend.

“In 2019, we had the lowest number of road fatalities since records began, but last year and this year we’ve sadly seen that number rise,” Mr Bailey said.

“Tragically we’ve now lost 142 lives on Queensland roads in 2021, but these aren’t just numbers - these are all people whose lives have been cut short, and who have left families and friends behind.

“As many Queenslanders return from school holidays, we’re urging everyone to stay safe and avoid the Fatal Five - drink and drug driving, driving fatigued, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving distracted.”

Mr Bailey said road safety is the Palaszczuk Government’s top priority.

“We’re investing almost $1.7 billion in road safety, to make Queensland’s roads as safe as they can be,” he said.

“This will work will see us prioritise safety upgrades, improve driver education, make school zones safer and develop policies to reduce road crashes and trauma.

“As part of our road safety program, later this month we’re rolling out mobile and fixed cameras to catch drivers illegally using their mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts, anywhere and any time. 

“From September this year, Queensland will also have tougher penalties for drink drivers, with first-time offenders who are convicted of drink driving and have their licence disqualified required to complete a new education program before they can get their licence back.

“We’re doing our bit, but we need road users to do theirs, with the 'Fatal Five' - speeding, drink/drug driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, fatigue, and driver distraction – continuing to be contributing factors in more than half of lives lost.

“We’re committed to bringing down the number of road fatalities to zero, and now I’m pleading with road users to take it easy this weekend because I want everyone to get home safely.”

For more information on road safety, visit the StreetSmarts website at streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au