100 lives lost on Queensland roads

With Queensland reaching a grim milestone of 100 lives lost on the state’s roads since the start of the year, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is using National Road Safety Week as a reminder to motorists to slow down and consider the risks before getting behind the wheel.

Since January 1, 100 people have died as a result of traffic crashes in Queensland; 21 lives more than the same time last year.

Road Policing Command Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said this grim milestone was a timely reminder to all drivers of their responsibilities while on the road.

“In less than five months we have seen 100 people lose their lives on our roads, that means the lives of hundreds of people here in Queensland across dozens of communities will never be the same,” Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said.

“While our officers are doing all we can to keep motorists safe, road safety is a shared responsibility.

“Disappointingly, our road toll remains much higher than the same time in previous years.”

Of the 100 lives lost on Queensland roads this year, 28 were motorcyclists, 41 were drivers and 20 were passengers.

Seven pedestrians, one pillion passenger and three cyclists have also died in serious crashes since the start of the year.

Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said Queensland’s road roll significantly contributed towards the national total of about 1,200 lives per year.

“This National Road Safety Week, we are asking all drivers to remember the fatal five, speeding, drink and drug driving, lack of seatbelts, fatigue and distracted driving,” he said.

“These factors have a direct consequence on your life and those around you, as well as emergency responders.”

Go to roadsafetyweek.com.au and take the pledge to driver so others survive.

Some examples of recent dangerous driver behaviour observed by Queensland police include:

• A 28-year-old Woodridge woman caught driving a ute at 114 kilometres per hour in a 70 zone on Kingston Road, Woodridge.

  The woman was fined $1,245.

• A 56-year-old Maroochydore man was allegedly caught driving with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.205.

  He was charged with dangerous driving and driving under the influence of liquor or a drug.

• A motorcyclist captured on CCTV allegedly riding at 165 kilometres per hour in an 80 zone while in the Legacy Way Tunnel, Kelvin Grove. He was also allegedly captured using his mobile while riding.

  Police investigations are ongoing.

• A 29-year-old Jimboomba man caught riding a motorcycle at 141 kilometres per hour in an 80 zone on the Mount Lindesay Highway in Greenbank.

  The man was fined $1,245.

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