Road safety plea after nine lives lost in three days

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has renewed calls for safe driving after a tragic weekend on Queensland roads.

Mr Bailey said nine lives were sadly lost in three days (Friday, 6 May – Sunday, 8 May).

“I cannot stress the importance of doing the right thing when you are behind the wheel because the consequences can be deadly,” he said.

“Instead of celebrating Mother’s Day this weekend, nine families were missing loved ones from around the dinner table.

“My thoughts go out to every person impacted by these tragedies.

“We’re only nine days into May and already 13 people have lost their lives.

“We’ve also seen a number of serious injuries from crashes over the weekend and the impact of those shouldn’t be underestimated – the effects can be traumatic and life-long.

“My message to people is to think about how your loved one would feel if you didn’t make it home today.”

Mr Bailey said the fatal five were factors in far too many of the fatal crashes record.

“I get reports through from every fatal crash, and all too often I am seeing the fatal five factoring in,” he said.

“That’s speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use and seatbelts.

“So far this year we’ve seen over 100 people lose their lives, which is more than this time last year.

“We cannot remain on this trajectory.

“Sadly, most of the lives lost are entirely preventable and I urge people to think about that every time they get behind the wheel.

“Think about your family, your friends, your colleagues, and make sure you are getting home safely.”

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was investing heavily in road safety.

“We have $1.7 billion invested in road safety this budget, which is being rolled out through different programs state-wide to make our roads safer,” he said.

“We’re investing in education campaigns, road upgrades or new technologies.

“Now it’s your turn to play a part and do the right thing every time you’re on the road.”

Mr Bailey also reminded motorists that much of the state would experience wet weather this week leading to difficult driving conditions.

“People need to drive to the conditions and remember, if it’s flooded, forget it,” he said.

For more information on road safety, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/

For more information on the fatal five, visit www.streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/ 

LIVES LOST DATA

ENDS

Media contact: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570