As wet weather is forecast for Queensland over coming days police are launching a fresh appeal for motorists to drive to conditions.
Significant rainfall is expected to fall along the coast from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay and into Central Queensland.
Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus appealed to drivers to be aware of changing conditions on the road.
“Road conditions can change rapidly when water is added to the mix, causing safe and familiar routes to be subject to incredibly dangerous conditions” he said.
“We usually see an increase in crashes in wet conditions, many which could have been avoided by being aware of the conditions at the time.
“Throughout this year, we have also seen motorists taking unnecessary risks by attempting to drive through flooded roads.”
Ten lives have been lost on our roads as a result of flooding since the start of this year.
Assistant Commissioner Marcus said there was never an excuse for driving into floodwaters.
“Driving into floodwaters is an incredible risk, not only to your life as the driver, but also the lives of others including police and emergency services workers who are involved in rescues.
“Imagine trying to survive in rapidly moving waters while rescuers find a safe way to get to you.
“Imagine not being able to see your family or catch up with mates, if we aren’t able to make it in time.
“Imagine if you’re lucky enough to be rescued but you’re faced with lifelong injuries.
“It’s not worth the risk. If it’s flooded, the safest and bravest thing to do is to forget about driving into floodwaters.”
Know where to go for information if you are impacted by wet weather:
- Life-threatening emergencies – Triple Zero (000)
- Storm and weather-related assistance – 132 500
- Weather warnings – bom.gov.au
- Road closures – 131 500 or qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
