Communities across the state have been urged to put road safety first ahead of the fifth-ever Queensland Road Safety Week.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and police will this week travel across the state encouraging Queenslanders to keep safety front of mind when they head onto the road.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering $23 billion for Queensland roads and transport over the next four years, including $900 million for dedicated safety initiatives,” Mr Bailey said.
“But we all have a role to play in making in our roads safer.
Last year, 245 people died on our roads and more than 6,700 people were hospitalised due to crashes. While the number of deaths on roads for 2019 to-date is the lowest in five years, north and far north Queensland continues to be over-represented.
Queensland Road Safety Week serves to highlight the role each and everyone one of us has in looking out for one another.
“One poor decision or moment of inattention can have tragic and life-changing consequences.
“Whether you’re a motorist, bike rider or pedestrian, if you put safety first by staying focused and obeying the road rules, you will save a life – either your own, or that of someone else.”
Hundreds of community events and activities will be held across the state as part of the week, from Cairns to Coolangatta.
The Minister will attend a stakeholder forum in Cairns and Roma, a youth event in Townsville and older road users session in Bundaberg.
There is an activity for all road users, from truckie toolbox talks, to bicycle safety sessions, young driver presentations with high school students to road safety refresher sessions with seniors.
Queensland Police Service Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said Queensland Road Safety Week was an opportunity for police officers to engage with the community about road safety.
“That is why we are a partner in this initiative and why we fully support the road safety first message. Emergency responders deal first hand with the carnage on our roads,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.
“While there is a large educational component to Road Safety Week, Queenslanders will also see an increased police presence on our roads focused on enforcing the Fatal Five.”
Representatives from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Ambulance Service yesterday joined together for a road safety display at the Brisbane Heat open day at Allan Border Field, Albion.
Families attending the free community event had the opportunity to explore a range of emergency services vehicles and receive road safety information from emergency services staff.
Queensland Road Safety Week is a Queensland Government initiative, delivered annually in partnership by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police Service. The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), RACQ and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) are proud supporters.
